400 Dog Lovers Expected at Humane Society 3rd Annual Walk 'N Wag.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Pet look-a-like contests, microchip specials, dog agility and behavior training highlight Humane Society Silicon Valley's (HSSV) third annual Walk 'N Wag Walk-A-Thon. The event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to Noon at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in Kelley Park, San Jose. Some 400 animal lovers are expected to participate in the walk-a-thon to help raise money for the shelter, which is celebrating 75 years of bringing people and pets together.

"For 75 years, Humane Society Silicon Valley has promoted value and respect for animal life by connecting people and pets," said Christine Benninger, HSSV president. "This unique walk-a-thon allows us to highlight our vital shelter programs and celebrate the magic of the human-animal bond." The shelter has a comprehensive program of animal care, adoptions, lost & found, and a medical center offering affordable spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchips.

Walk 'N Wag isn't just for dog owners. All animal lovers are encouraged to walk the course in honor of their pet. The registration fee for Walk 'N Wag is $25 and includes a t-shirt, dog dish and bandanna for your pet. Registered participants are encouraged to obtain pledges to walk an interactive course with their dog. Along the way, they will experience engaging presentations on animal behavior, dog training, agility, and more. Other highlights include:

--An appearance by the Big Dog mascot. Big Dogs clothing store is our lead sponsor.

--Pet Contests including pet look-a-like, best trick, biggest lap dog & best costume.

--Microchip Clinic to encourage pet owners to microchip their pets so they can be easily Re-united with their owners if they become lost. Microchips will be discounted to a $35 donation and include registration with a national databank.

--Professional Pet Photos by Paul Roberts Photography.

--Animal-related booths with giveaways and information on animals.

--Tile Painting Project. Parents can purchase tiles for their children or dog to decorate. The tiles will be placed in a hallway to a new "Family lounge" at Westfield Valley Fair. Tiles are $35 each. All proceeds benefits HSSV and the United Way Silicon Valley (UWSV).

People interested in registering for the Walk 'N Wag, or in making a donation, can obtain more information by visiting www.hssv.org and clicking on Walk 'N Wag, or by calling Barbara Vitcosky, manager of special events at 408-727-3383, ext. 879.

About Humane Society Silicon Valley

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is an independent, non-profit agency offering quality adoptions, medical care and education programs to enhance the human-animal bond. Established in 1929, HSSV has served Silicon Valley for 75 years and grown into one of the largest animal shelters on the West Coast, caring for nearly 24,000 animals in fiscal year 2004-2005. To date, HSSV has adopted more than 500,000 animals into permanent, loving homes. In fiscal 2003-2004 alone, HSSV found loving homes for 7,451 animals, spayed/neutered 6,191 dogs, cats and rabbits and vaccinated 11,947 pets. The agency has an "open door" shelter policy and accepts animals 24-hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of any temperament or health related problems. HSSV's medical center offers affordable spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchips to the public.