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Thousands Of Dogs, Owners Gather For SPCA Walk-a-Thon

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. -- Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds came out in full force to FDR State Park in Yorktown at the Briarcliff Manor-based SPCA's annual walk-a-thon.

Miller Clark Animal Hospital in Mamaroneck at the SPCA Walk-a-Thon in Yorktown.

Miller Clark Animal Hospital in Mamaroneck at the SPCA Walk-a-Thon in Yorktown.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Elaine Verardo with her dog Dixie.

Elaine Verardo with her dog Dixie.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Gail Finaro and Michael.

Gail Finaro and Michael.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Jeff Jankowski of Fi-Dough.

Jeff Jankowski of Fi-Dough.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
A dog celebrates after completing an obstacle course.

A dog celebrates after completing an obstacle course.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Joe Kraemer has the attention of his rottweilers at the SPCA Dog Fair in Yorktown.

Joe Kraemer has the attention of his rottweilers at the SPCA Dog Fair in Yorktown.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Dan Bishop with Kipper.

Dan Bishop with Kipper.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Kristina Sullivan with Willow.

Kristina Sullivan with Willow.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

The event was attended by 2,500 people and raised more than $100,000 for the SPCA which runs a no-kill shelter, investigates cruelty against animals and offers low-cost veterinary care. It has been at its North State Road location since 1883 and treats about 2,000 animals a year.

"We rely on people's generosity," executive director Shannon Laukhuf, a Pound Ridge resident, said. "This event warms my heart. It's one of my favorite events. It gets bigger and bigger every year. We are so grateful.

Lisa Bonanno, development manager of the SPCA, said the event attracts people who adopted their dogs from SPCA to general animal lovers.  

"It's great to see so many people come out," Bonanno said. 

Elaine Verardo of Mohegan Lake came with her dog, Dixie, a rottweiler/boxer mix.

"It's so cute and so much fun," Verardo said. "Dixie loves it. She has such a great time.

Gail Finaro was at the event representing Pets Alive in Elmsford with her dog, Michael, a 2.5-year-old yellow lab.

"I've been coming for 10 years," Finaro said. "This is a great day with great dogs and great people."

Baldwin Place Animal Hospital in Mahopac was on hand at the event.

"I've been coming for five years," Kristina Sullivan, a Carmel resident who works at Baldwin Place Animal Hospital and brought her dog Willow, said. "We have so much fun.  It's such a great day."

Jeff Jankowski, a Yorktown resident, was selling Fi-Dough, organic dog treats, all of which are named after current or past family pets. Jankowski has been in business for eight years.

"We do a lot of shows like this," Jankowksi said. "Organic is very popular these days. 

Diane Balicki, a Briarcliff Manor resident, adopted Bodee from the SPCA. She likes to say that Bodee, a therapy dog, adopted her.

"He came in and crawled on my lap," Balicki said. "He's the most amazing dog."

 

 

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