Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League’s 17th annual Barry Crown Walk for the Animals will take place on Saturday, March 10 at CityPlace in West Palm Beach. A special guest at the event will be 2018 Walk Mascot Smokey.
Smokey, now known as Fenrir or Fen, was found chained to a tree and trapped in a brush fire in March 2017. “The little guy was burned up pretty good. Even when we grabbed him, he was very distressed. I was concerned whether he would live,” said Capt. Gregg Gordon of West Palm Beach Fire Rescue.
Thousands of dollars from hundreds of concerned citizens mobilized to save the animal. Saving Smokey was touch and go for a while. “He had third-degree burns, some internal, and his leg was burned down to the bone,” said Dr. Beth Keser, the league’s lead veterinarian. “Smokey received 40 treatments in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, two blood transfusions, extensive wound care and lots of love from staff and volunteers at the league.”
Dr. Katelyn Thomas, a veterinary intern at Jupiter Pet Emergency and Specialty Center, one of the veterinary interns who cared for Smokey during his first two months of recovery, fell in love with him and ended up adopting him.
All of those who join the Walk for the Animals will save the lives of many injured, homeless and abandoned animals in Palm Beach County — just like Smokey.
The pet-friendly walk begins at 9 a.m. with check-in and registration, live entertainment and a free breakfast compliments of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Animal Kindness Unit. At 10:15 a.m., after the opening ceremonies, participants will enjoy a scenic walk that will begin and end near the Cheesecake Factory.
As participants complete the route, they’ll enjoy pet costume contests with amazing prize baskets at center stage. There will also be live entertainment, local vendors, and a silent auction and raffle area with great prizes.
Participants are encouraged to pre-register to walk and form teams. Each registrant who raises at least $35 will receive a free t-shirt and a special gift for their pet.
“Our Walk for the Animals has grown tremendously over the years, and we are very excited to have CityPlace host this year’s Walk.” Peggy Adams CEO Rich Anderson said. “As a nonprofit that receives no city, state or federal government funding, the league relies on community support to help us provide services to more than 45,000 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens every year.
To learn more, call (561) 530-6057 or visit www.walkwithpeggy.org.
