By Marissa Villegas
Tails wags are aplenty this June as the annual Furry 5K wraps up with great success. From walkers and runners, to team captains and adopters, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate now that we’ve come to the finish line. In 2021 the Furry 5K raised $71,686! That money goes directly to supporting pets in need with programs like behavioral training and resources to help rehabilitate injured animals.
Through both rain and sunshine, supporters of the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) showed up big this year. For the second straight year the Furry 5K went virtual in 2021, meaning people could join from their own neighborhoods—or even their treadmills. More than 535 people joined this virtual run and walk. Every step is appreciated and helps the shelter accomplish its goals.
In addition, this year featured a new way to get involved in the festivities. Supporters had the opportunity to sponsor a dog to walk a 5K alongside one of the amazing SAS volunteers, and it was clear that the only thing better than taking yourself for a walk is sponsoring a shelter pup
With all that walking it’s important that pets fuel up, which is why we’re grateful to official Furry 5K sponsor Mud Bay. Mud Bay donated a pound of food for every mile raced and every dog sponsored, which tallied to more than 1,650 pounds of food donated.
Finally, the most important part of the fun run and walk is the chance to change even a single pet’s life. Throughout the week of the 5K many dogs, cats and critters were given the opportunity to find their forever family. Every mile jogged and every pet sponsored represents a huge accomplishment and a life-changing possibility for these animals. Thank you to the volunteers who made this year’s event come to life, to the sponsors of the 2021 Furry 5K, and to all the participants who contributed to this wonderful event.
If you’d like to learn more about how to support the pets at the Seattle Animal Shelter, check out these giving opportunities. Each donation is a success story in the making.