October 9, 2007

Fall Furry Flurry held at Los Gatos Creek Park

Annual 5k event raises money for animal groups

By Janice Frazier
Special to the Times

Bring your furry friend and participate in the Fall Furry Flurry on Oct. 21 to raise money for the homeless animals in Santa Clara County.

A SJACS dog bobs for wieners and hopes to be adopted at the FFF last year. He succeeded in both. Photo courtesy of BASH

Join fellow animal lovers for the Fall Furry Flurry 5-K all breed dog and cat walk on Sunday, Oct. 21 held at Los Gatos Creek County Park in Campbell, rain or shine.

Sponsored by the Bay Area Siberian Husky Club [BASH] as the lead organization, there are over 10 other rescue groups participating this year, including the Pet Awareness and Welfare Society [PAWS] for San Jose Animal Care and Services [SJACS], Uncon-ditional Love Animal Rescue, Furry Friends—PATS, San Francisco Sam-oyed Rescue and Town Cats.

“We had 11 rescue groups join us last year and they brought in over $8,000 collectively,” said Randee McQueen, president of PAWS and a member of BASH. “We have grown in five years from 32 walkers to 107 last year and that included two cats in strollers. SJACS plans on bringing dogs from the adoption area to walk and bob for wieners and will return to the shelter by 11a.m. to be adopted. The first year that SJACS came to the walk, two of the dogs were adopted as a result of being seen at the walk.”

At the Fall Furry Flurry, all funds raised go to the various rescue groups involved who have booths providing information and education. Walk participants are encouraged to obtain pledges for the walk for their “favorite” rescue group.

There is also a silent auction presented by the different organizations to raise additional funds. Auction items include—49er tickets, Sharks tickets, a basket of premium wines, gorgeous quilts, body works baskets, photo packages, dog and cat gift baskets and lots more!

All canine participants receive a goody bag full of treats and a Frosty Paws; each human participant, a long-sleeved T-shirt with the Fall Furry Flurry logo and light snacks. It's a leisurely event, where you can relax with your dog [or cat], enjoy a walk and socialize with other animal lovers.

“San Francisco Samoyed Rescue has participated in the Fall Furry Flurry for the past three years.” said Bev Andalora. “It's a great event because you can have fun with your pet while supporting rescue groups in the San Jose area. In addition to the walk, there are games for the dogs, a silent auction and booths where you can get pet stuff and information about rescue groups in the area."

Everyone was eager to walk at last year’s Fall Furry Flurry event. Photo courtesy of BASH

Canine games include bobbing for wieners, musical skits and an obstacle course. Sponsors include Pet Food Express, Petco, PETsMart, Noah’s Bagels, Starbucks, Safeway, Hobee’s, NBN Sports and Trader Joes.

This is an annual fall event and since it’s being held prior to Halloween this year, there is a costume contest. So come bring the animals on, but make sure they are wearing their favorite outfit!

“We participated in the Fall Furry Flurry for the past two years and have had an absolute blast,” said Elisa Lotti of Unconditional Love Animal Rescue. “We raised approximately $800 each year for our rescue group and shared literature regarding our organization with many people who later responded with donations. Good people, sweet pups, funds for the animals and an excuse to spend time enjoying nature—what more could anyone want?"

And for those who like the thrill of winning something, but don’t like silent auctions, there’s a raffle where you buy your tickets based on sellers arm’s length not by count. By placing your tickets in the specific raffle items of interest, you can win something you really want!

The Fall Furry Flurry event runs from 9 a.m.—1:30 p.m., with the walk running from 9:30-12:30. Contest and games run from 11 a.m.—1 p.m. The raffle drawing is at 12:30, and the silent auction stops at 1 p.m.. Registration is $25 per person before Oct.18 and $30 on the day of walk, with a family rate of $60 for up to four humans before Oct. 18.

For more information visit www.bayareasiberian.org or call (408) 599-3230, Ext. 108.