Dozens of paws will march down Mike Thomas Way in Plum this month for the borough’s first annual “Walking and Wagging” community dog walk.
Totaling just over a mile, the walk will take attendees and their canine companions from the Plum Municipal Building parking lot to Renton Road and back, according to Director of BoroHAPS Mona Costanza.
She said she hopes to see about 100 dogs at the May 17 event, including her 4-year-old bichon poodle, Rizzo.
The event costs $20 per person for those that register ahead of time and $30 for those that register the day of the walk. Proceeds from the event will be donated to local animal rescues Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley and Southwest Pennsylvania Retriever Rescue Organization, Costanza said.
“We like to pull the community together and see the interaction among the residents,” she said. “It’s always fun, especially with the dogs, seeing them meet and greet each other.”
The event will also feature dog-themed vendors by the municipal building like PetVet 365 and PetSmart, though Costanza said she is still taking vendor registrations. A food and coffee truck will also be on site.
She said residents will receive a drawstring bag with coupons from vendors, and dogs will earn a purple “Walking and Wagging” bandana. There will also be a gift basket raffle comprising donations from vendors, Costanza said.
In addition to vendors, Constanza said, a pool and bubble machine will be set up near the borough building for dogs to socialize before and after the walk.
Eric Zvirman, 33, said he and his wife, Danielle, plan to be there with their 3-year-old Beagle mix, Rosie, next month.
He said the borough is a popular place for dog owners, and he hopes to see plenty of other attendees at the event.
“We like to do just about everything with our dog,” he said. “So if there’s any excuse to be out there, we are.”
“Walking and Wagging” will take place May 17 rain or shine. The event will begin at 9 a.m., and the walk starts at 10. Vendors interested in participating can contact mcostanza@plumboro.com.