Strides for Strays
The 14th Annual Walk for Homeless Animals

Place: Milford Humane Society Shelter,
          289 West St. (Rte 140) Milford, MA (directions)
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2008, rain or shine
Time: 12 noon - 4 PM (registration begins at 11:30 am)

The purpose of Strides for Strays is to raise awareness of the Milford area's homeless animal population. Money is raised through pledges collected by each walker. This will go towards maintaining our shelter on Route 140 in Milford. We rely on the generosity of people like you since all our programs are supported through donations and fundraising events. Milford Humane receives no local, federal or state funding.

Much more than just a simple walk, this year the event will be held on the shelter grounds in Milford. We’ll have a treasure hunt, book sale, and scheduled tours of the shelter so visitors can meet and greet some of the wonderful cats in our care. There will be pony rides for the kids, along with games and refreshments.

We also have a special guest this year: the Bellingham K-9 police officer and his dog will be doing demonstrations. And, the new 4-month old puppy-in-training will attend! They plan to arrive around 2:00 pm.

Pledges
The pledge form is available here. Please print it, then start signing up your sponsors! Explain the walk and ask them to support a very worthy cause: homeless animals. Please collect the pledge money when people sign up. And check with your company to see if they have a matching gift program. And spread the word wherever you can!

Pre-register by mail — the address is printed on the pledge form. Or register in person the day of the walk. If you are not in the Milford area, you can walk 2 miles anywhere or ask one of our volunteers to walk for you.

There will be a FREE Walk T-shirts for paid pledges of $50 or more, and a free sweatshirt for paid pledges of $100 or more. And we haven't forgotten the dogs: there will be a free bandanna for the first 15 dogs!

Walk Details
The walk will be held rain or shine so please dress accordingly. The two-mile walk is a marked trail with a treasure hunt along the way. You’ll have plenty of time to visit the raffle, craft tables, book sale and take a tour of the shelter!

You are welcome to walk with your dog, however, please remember that all dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. Water for dogs and clean up bags will be provided for your convenience. You need not own a dog to enjoy the festivities and help the Milford Humane Society. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

If you do decide to bring your dog, please consider his/her age and health, based on the day’s weather. Please do not bring dogs in season or in poor health. Dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including their rabies shot.

Scheduled Events

• Pony Rides and kid's games
• Demonstrations by Bellingham's K-9 officer and his dog
• Refreshments - hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie wraps, ice cream
• Raffle table with great prizes
• Table offering gifts for animal lovers
• Treasure hunt
• Book sale - good-quality hard cover and paperbacks
• Shelter tours

Directions to Milford Humane Shelter, 289 West St. Milford, MA
From 495 North or South:
Take exit 20 onto Cedar St. — Route 85 southbound
Right onto Route 16 west
Right onto Route 140 north (Milford Hospital is on right corner)
Go 2 miles, the Shelter is on the right