Tail Wagging Event Raises Funds for Homeless Pets

On Oct. 12, hundreds of dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds led their owners to on of their favorite canine events of the year — the Walk & Wag-a-Thon and Pet Fair.

Furry friends and their owners participated in a walk at the Harford County Equestrian Center in Bel Air to raise money for homeless animals at the Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC). 

Sponsored by Animal Emergency Hospital of Bel Air, the Walk & Wag-a-Thon and Pet Fair is the largest event of its kind in Harford County, and a major fundraiser for HSHC. 

“The funds we raise help to pay for medical expenses, for food, and for the care and comfort of the animals while they are at the shelter,” said humane society executive director Mary Leavens.  

Net proceeds from the event totaled nearly $10,000 this year, according to the HSHC.

A highlight of the afternoon was the Guinness World Record attempt for “Most Dogs Wearing the Same Bandana in One Place." Two hundred dogs and their humans filed into a fenced arena and stood in place while an official count took place, and a mini helicopter flew overhead to capture aerial images for the Guinness officials. 

The record was set at 200 dogs, but it will be several weeks before Guinness validates the attempt. 

Most importantly, HSHC employees said it was a fun-filled day with purpose— keeping the doors open at the Humane Society of Harford County.  

“We are an open admission shelter, which means we help any animal that comes in, whether that’s a dog, a cat, a rabbit or a horse,” Leavens said.  “We need the support of the community to help us continue our work.”