It’s time to mark your calendars for the 16th Annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets in Ocean City, MD! We are pet lovers through and through here at ShoreBread, with a deep passion for our local Humane Societies across Maryland and Delaware. We are avid supporters of pet adoption, and as such, try to throw our support to as many Humane Society and adoption-related events that we can. The Worcester County Humane Society holds a special place in our hearts, and so does their annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets event! Held each spring in OCMD, it’s a terrific chance to get outside and enjoy a beautiful spring day along the beach and boardwalk with your four-legged friends. It’s also a perfect opportunity to give your support to the Worcester County Humane Society!
The walk is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, but the entire weekend is filled with pet-centric fun. The weekend kicks off on Friday, April 24 at Adolfo’s (13th Street and the Boardwalk) for the annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets Dinner/Fundraiser. Advanced tickets can be purchased by clicking here. Tickets can also be purchased at Adolfo’s. Tickets are just $15 and include spaghetti and meatballs, side salad, fresh baked rolls, dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20. A percentage of each ticket sold will benefit the WCHS of course, along with proceeds from the silent auction.
The main event, Boardwalkin’ for Pets, will take place Saturday morning from 9am until noon. “This year’s event promises to be like no other,” said Boardwalkin’ for Pets Chair, Heather Bahrami. “We are excited for many additions to the schedule of events, including red carpet photos for the dogs as well as training tips for K9 Heeling.”
Registration begins at 8am – there is a $25 minimum for individuals and a $25 minimum for each team member. Sign up individually or work as a team to to raise as much money as you can – this year’s goal is $50,000. Did we mention there are prizes for top fundraisers?! That’s right, Raise & Receive: $25…dog walk bandana; $50…dog walk t-shirt; $100…dog walk lunch tote. Grand Prizes are awarded to the highest pledge earners for both individual and team levels. There is also a Grand Prize for the top child pledge earner. Prizes are also awarded to contest winners in the following categories: Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Dressed, and Best Trick. Of course it’s not ALL about the dogs, there’s also the Annual Cutest Cat Contest! Bring a photo of your cat to the walk with your name, cat’s name, address, phone number and email address.
Dogs of all sizes, shapes, breeds and backgrounds are invited to march along with their owners, but if you don’t have a dog yet (hint, hint) or if you don’t think your dog is up for the excitement, opt to walk one of the shelter dogs! Arrangements must be made in advance by calling the shelter at 410-213-0146.
After the race, enjoy refreshments provided by Harrison’s Harbor Watch Restaurant and Layton’s Family Restaurant 16th Street. Round out your day with a little shopping at South Moon Under (81st Street) and Malibu’s Surf Shop (8th Street and the boardwalk). Both stores will be donating a percentage of their sales for the day to the WCHS so it’s essentially guilt-free shopping!
Finally, complete your weekend with some water fun! Sunday, April 26, from 11am until 2pm, stop by Coastal Kayak in Fenwick Island for “Paddle with your Pooch.” For a donation of your choice, you’ll be able to take a kayak out with your dog to enjoy a scenic paddle on the bay. Life jackets for dogs will be available. All proceeds and donations will go to the WCHS.
The WCHS is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that operates primarily on donations. Located at 12330 Eagles Nest Road, the shelter provides everyday care for its animals in residence, along with veterinary care. What’s more, the animals receive loving care each and every day until they find their forever homes. The WCHS holds several fundraising events throughout the year – Boardwalkin’ for Pets is the largest fundraiser held each year. Last year, walkers raised $25,000 for the shelter. This year, the shelter has set a $50,000 goal…let’s do all we can to help them reach it!
