There were Chihuahuas in pink sweaters, Huskies and German Shepards, Labradors sporting bandannas and countless mixed-breed beauties walking the streets of Bethel with their owners at Sunday morning's Walk for Animals. The fundraising event drew a large crowd in support of the Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS). Considering the number of dogs and kids present, it wasn't total chaos, at least not in my book. 

We adopted our angelic little dog from the Danbury-based animal shelter four short months ago and she has managed to fill an empty space in our family that only she could. In return, we wanted to show our support for DAWS by participating in their two-mile walk and fundraising event.

Several presentations were given throughout the morning including a canine control demonstration by Bethel Police Officer Robert Durkin and his K9 assistant, pet health was addressed by Brookfield Animal Hospital's Dr. Dattner, and training techniques were shared by DAWS training director Bruce Chaplin.

Volunteers then introduced the adoptable dogs waiting at DAWS for a new home. Luckily, the crowds were so thick at this time, neither I nor my girls could get a clear view of the dogs and get lured in by the sweet puppy eyes. By 10 a.m., participants and their canine buddies took to the streets of Bethel for a quick walk through town.

About a quarter-mile into the walk, two of our three kids started begging for piggy back rides, so the Adventurer completed the walk in its entirety, along with her friend the Dog Whisperer, her mom and Thunder, their large Sheppard mix that is as sweet as he is large.  We took a quick little short cut to save our backs.

Finally, it was time for the doggie contest. My kids led our dog into the ring for the competition. She didn't win best kisser, fastest eater (the Labradors ruled), or even most mixed breed dog (she was robbed!), but I won a gift basket in the raffle, which included dog treats, toys, goodies and (best of all) a massage for me at Massage Envy in Brookfield. Either my karma is shaping up nicely or our dog is my lucky charm because I rarely win anything. 

At the end of the event, a total of $60,000 was raised for the organization ($15,000 short of their goal), which often sends transports to Midwest and Southern states to rescue cats and dogs from kill shelters and provides them with food and veterinarian care until they can find a secure and loving home. DAWS is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization serving the greater Danbury area.

Do you have space in your life and heart for a new pet? Sure you do. Head over to DAWS in Danbury or check out their online gallery of adoptable pets and find your new best friend.