St. Joseph residents run to support local animals

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Community members gathered on Saturday morning to run/walk in a 5K benefiting the Friends of the Animal Shelter.

The 11th annual Run/Walk for the Paws drew over 500 participants this year, as well as several dogs.

Aubrey Swofford is the race director and a volunteer with Friends of the Animal Shelter. She explained why they continue to hold this event every year.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, so it helps us with medical costs or anytime we put on adoption specials when the shelter gets full, Friends of the Animal Shelter picks up the other part of that cost," Swofford said. "So it's essential to keep doing what we do."

Ten-year-old Elizabeth Ott shared why she decided to walk in the 5K, even opting to prepare by walking every day.

"Me and my parents love going here because we like seeing the puppies and we like walking and we worked really hard to walk each day," Ott said.

Ott also said that she attended this event in order to help raise funds for the animal shelter and local animals.

"Because some animals are just walking around here, because I think we should save them," Ott said.

Angela Elder has participated ten of the eleven years that the race has been going. She explained why she keeps coming back.

"I think it's always a fun event," Elder said. "I mean I love 5Ks and, I mean, I think the energy is great. You know, there's a lot of great people out here, a lot of great dogs and I think they put on a great event."

Elder added that she cares about helping the animal shelter.

"Well one, it raises money for the shelter and I think it also raises awareness for shelter dogs and possibly leads to some adoptions," Elder said.

For those who want to help the Friends of the Animal Shelter but couldn't attend the 5K, donations are accepted at petforu.com and they are always looking for volunteers.