Just days after Wynston’s attack, we headed to Tempe Beach Park for the annual AAWL & SPCA Walk to Save Animals. Although Wynston was confined to the stroller, he didn’t mind! We enjoyed a day of sunshine and doggos alongside my mom and her dog, Cooper. The weather was perfect and the event was a blast as usual! Wynston even got blessed 🙂
2018 AAWL & SPCA Walk to Save Animals
AAWL (Arizona Animal Welfare League) is Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. Every year they put on the Walk to Save Animals, which is their biggest fundraising event. I’ve been attending this pet event for 10 years now. This was my mom’s first year, and she made it a point to come because she adopted Cooper from AAWL in 2017. He’s brought so much joy and happiness to their house, so she definitely didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
Since the Walk to Save Animals always takes place in November, the weather is typically pretty nice. This year was the coolest it’s been since I can remember, and it was PERFECT. We couldn’t have asked for a more fabulous day. Plus the views are absolutely magnificent since the event takes place at Tempe Beach Park, on Tempe Town Lake.
The AAWL Walk to Save Animals is a 5k and 2k walk, but anyone can simply attend the pet marketplace, vendors and activities at the event. I have a bad hip, so there was no walk for me this year. Hopefully next year, though! Despite our lack of participation in the actual walk, we thoroughly enjoyed everything else this fun event had to offer. We got lots of free samples, made some purchases, bought raffle tickets and even got Cooper and Wynston blessed!
That’s right – our dogs were blessed by Meher Kaur Khalsa. Mom and I each received a certificate of blessing with Cooper and Wynston’s names on it. They spelled Wynston with an “i” so I made my own correction to the certificate. It was a neat experience, and it meant a lot after the trauma we’ve experienced the last few days after Wynston’s dog attack.
Mom and Cooper got to participate in the AAWL Alumni parade since Coop was adopted from the shelter last year. It was a really awesome experience for my mom, and for me to witness. It was so special to see all of the dogs who have been rescued and are now living their best lives!
The goal of the 2018 AAWL & SPCA Walk to Save Animals was to raise $150k for the shelter – and THEY DID IT! A grand total of over $159k was raised! How amazing is that?! That’s SO many doggies and kitties saved! Wow!
The 2018 AAWL & SPCA Walk to Save Animals was another success in so many ways! I’m so glad we attended with mom and Cooper while getting to greet endless doggos, supporting the shelter and taking advantage of the gorgeous weather. I already look forward to going next year 🙂
Leave a Reply