The Puppy Mill Project’s Petwalk 2012 – Miles for Mothers in the Mills

It’s time to get out your walking shoes and get your team together for the First Annual Petwalk for The Puppy Mill Project, Miles for the Mothers in the Mills. The event will be held on Sunday, October 21 at 11 a.m. at the Larry Fink Memorial Park in Highland Park.

The Miles for Mothers in the Mills will feature a leisurely walk around the pond and is open to family members of all ages and well-behaved, leashed dogs. The goal of the event is to help support the educational efforts of The Puppy Mill Project and to honor and remember the mother dogs left behind in puppy mills.

“Too many people don’t realize that the cute puppy in the window of the pet store or sold on the Internet was born in a puppy mill,” says Cari Meyers, founder of the organization. “While that puppy goes on to find a home, his or her mother is left behind in deplorable conditions to breed more puppies until she can’t breed anymore. We are dedicating this walk to those mothers left behind.”

Advanced registration is $30 per adult and that fee will increase to $35 the day of the event. Children are free and each adult may bring two dogs. You may register in advance online or set up a fundraising page to help raise more funds for the education and advocacy efforts of the organization. The Puppy Mill Project has announced that an anonymous donor will be matching donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000.

“Each day I am grateful to have my pup,” says the donor, who has a puppy mill survivor of his own. “She means the world to me, and my heart aches to know that another dog is suffering at the hands of people who own and operate puppy mills.” 

Registration opens at 10 a.m. the day of the event. The walk starts at 11 and at noon, there will be a variety of activities that will include various pet contests, training and behavioral tips, “Ask the Vet” forum, an agility demonstration and more. The Miles for Mothers in the Mills also includes contests that get underway at 12:30 and celebrate the family dog that include the most amazing trick, best kisser, Halloween costume contest, pet/owner look-a-like and judge’s favorite.

Community sponsors include The Alex Brooks Canine and Behavioral Center, Michael Hope – Coldwell Banker in Highland Park, The North Shore Family Animal Hospital, Yes Promotions, the Spitzer Internet Strategy Group, Tails Magazine, Pet Supplies Plus, Paws Zone and the Dog Saving Network.

All dogs at the event must be up-to-date on vaccinations, have an I.D. tag, may not be in heat, must be non-aggressive and must be on a leash six-feet or shorter. No retractable leashes will be allowed.

Proceeds of the event benefit The Puppy Mill Project, a Chicago-based advocacy group. Founded in September of 2009, The Puppy Mill Project’s mission is to educate the public and raise awareness about puppy mills and their direct connection to pet stores, Internet sites and newspaper ads that sell dogs. The organization educates through community events, peaceful protests at pet stores and through advertising campaigns.