The Poly Paws program held its inaugural Furry 5K Walk at Laguna Lake Park to raise money for several San Luis Obispo animal shelters Saturday.
Poly Paws is a program in Cal Poly’s Student Community Services that supports neglected animals and emphasizes the importance of the relationships between owners and their pets.
Every dollar donated by the participants at registration gave them raffle tickets to win prizes provided by San Luis Obispo businesses.
About 20 Cal Poly students and Central Coast residents participated; the event raised more than $300. The money collected will go to three shelters: the Humane Society of America, the Woods Humane Society and the Animal Shelter Adoption Services of San Luis Obispo County.
Poly Paws coordinators Megan Marsh and Christina Condon said the event highlighted animal abuse and neglect — problems that are more serious than most people realize.
“Most people think that supporting animals is important, but they’re often misinformed about the fact that problems are not getting any better,” Condon, an animal science senior, said. “I hope this event shows people that every person can make a difference and every little bit helps.”
The coordinators put up fliers around San Luis Obispo, sent out e-mails, contacted local business for support and donations and held fundraisers at Laguna Grill and California Pizza Kitchen. Several local businesses, including Subway, Jamba Juice and The Hemp Shack donated raffle prizes such as dog leashes, truffles and gift certificates.
Groups on campus also supported the walk. The Cal Poly Cat Program is a program that was begun as a senior project in 1992 to domesticate stray cats on campus and find homes for them. Many supporters of Poly Paws are also involved with the Cal Poly Cat Program. Staff member Edie Griffin-Shaw said the Furry 5K walk is a way for students to “learn by doing.”
“This kind of event is great because it really does give students a chance to be directly involved with the effort to support animals,” Griffin-Shaw said. “Our relationship with Poly Paws is great, and I really hope this event keeps going in the future so we can be more involved.”
The club also rallied support from beyond San Luis Obispo. The Central Coast Parkour group set up a booth at the walk, selling water and snacks and donated all the proceeds to Poly Paws. A local member of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also set up an informational booth with flyers on topics such as animal abuse and the danger of puppy mills.
Some of the participants in Saturday’s walk were Central Coast residents who have experience racing for a cause. Bill and Patty Huffman traveled from Aromas with their dog Buddy to walk with their daughter Holl-Lee, a first-year psychology graduate student at Cal Poly.
“We thought this would be a great thing for us because we love to participate in these kind of races as a family, but we usually have to leave Buddy home. It’s great that the whole family could be a part of this walk,” Holl-Lee said.
Other participants were attracted by the cause the walk supported. Amy Monroe is a San Luis Obispo resident who saw the flyer for the walk at Laguna Grill and came to participate with her fiance.
“When we heard about it, we knew we had to be here. We’re both passionate about this cause; it really strikes a chord for us,” Monroe said. “I think it’s the innocence factor — these animals really can’t speak for themselves.”
Condon and Marsh were pleased with the walk’s turnout, but they both feel that the event will be even better next year.
“We were so happy with the response we received, but we hope to get more attention next year,” Marsh, an architecture junior said. “This kind of event really bridges the gap between the students and the community, and it’s for a great cause.”