WALK FOR THEIR LIVES 2008

The Broadway Mall in Hicksville was buzzing with excitement on the morning of Sunday, May 18th as children and adults alike came out to support Little Shelter, and ‘Help Harley Heal’, by taking steps at our 7th annual ‘Walk For Their Lives’. Our volunteers waited eagerly at the registration tables for participants to appear, and appear they did! Many were anxious to meet Harley, the dog they had heard so much about, and had been hard at work collecting sponsorship for, and Harley was just as grateful to see them, often rolling over for a much welcomed belly rub. Harley was hit by a car when she was a pup, but sadly her owners didn’t seek medical attention and her painful injuries healed on their own, leaving her with severely deformed legs. We had consulted with a specialist and knew that extensive surgery would enable Harley to lead a comfortable, happy, normal life, but that surgery would come at a large cost.

To ‘Help Harley Heal’ walk participants were asked to collect sponsorship for a specific amount of money from family, friends, teachers and neighbors. Participants who raised $50 or more received a Walk For Their Lives t-shirt, sponsored by Branch Financial Services of Smithtown. This year’s highest fundraisers were the Lo Family, and we were pleased to reward them with a gift basket full of goodies for their efforts.

After participants completed several laps of the mall and window-shopped as they walked, the Broadway Mall was very gracious and allowed us to continue our fun well into the afternoon. Walkers were treated to coffee donated by Starbucks and lots of snuggles from some of our adoptable dogs and cats. Onlookers were wowed by Jilli Dog and Spidey Chihuahua, as they performed their amazing tricks on stage, the guys from Party 105.3 FM entertained passers-by with games and giveaways, and Little Shelter’s big fuzzy dog mascot enjoyed basking in attention from people of all ages.

It was certainly a day to remember, and a lot of fun was had by all. Many thousands of dollars were raised to help the animals in our care, and perhaps most importantly, we were able to cover the cost of Harley’s surgery!!! Harley’s surgery was very successful and she is looking forward to a bright, pain-free future! In just a few weeks, after a little more recuperation, this sweet lady will be looking for a family to call her own – a family to give her lots of snuggles, kisses and belly rubs – and after all she’s been through, she certainly deserves it!

Our many thanks go out to our supporters and sponsors for making this event such a success. We would especially like to thank the Broadway Mall providing us with such a wonderful venue. We hope that you will join us again next year, as we ‘step out’ once more to raise funds and help needy animals just like Harley.