The 7^th Annual Downtown Waynesville Dog Walk hosted by Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation will be held on Saturday, August 4.  The walk will begin at 10:00am from the Haywood County Court House.  For walkers who have not pre-registered, sign up will begin at 9:00am.

Individuals and Teams that collect the most money in the form of donations to Sarge’s will win a prize.  There will also be a prize for kids under 18 years of age who collect the most money. 2^nd place prizes will also be awarded. At the 2011 Dog Walk Shanna Ball and Ada Goldsmith won 1^st place as a Team; Individual winner was Trina Owle while 2^nd place individual was won by Sophie Humpidge.  Emily Stump collected the most money in the Youth category for the 2^nd year in a row.

“The Dog Walk is Sarge’s biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Doyle Teague, coordinator of the event. “ Individuals and teams raising donations for Sarge’s is critical to help offset the costs of medical supplies and boarding, when there are not enough foster homes, and transport to other rescue groups for dogs and cats  rescued from the County animal control facility.”

Doggie contests will again be held on the Court House lawn following the Dog Walk. Jeanne Naber will return as the emcee for the day and the contests.  “Dogs need to start practicing tail wagging,its best trick and talent skills.  Best Costume will also be a contest category,”said Naber.

Registration forms are available on line at www.sargeandfriends.org, in an upcoming edition of the Mountaineer, the Dog House at 304 N. Haywood Street in Waynesville, Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery on Main Street in Waynesville, local veterinarian offices in Waynesville, Canton and Clyde and Mountain Dreams Realty on Soco Road in Maggie Valley.

Pre-registration will be held Thursday and Friday, August 2nd and 3rd from 11:00am until 7:00pm at Sarge’s Adoption Center located at 256B Industrial Parkway in the Waynesville Industrial Park near Lowe’s and Junaluska Animal Hospital.  Registration fee is $15 per person, children under 10 are free.  Official tee shirts are $15 each or free with at least a $15 donation to Sarge’s.

For more information, call 828-246-9050, visit the website at www.sargeandfriends.org , or see Sarge’s Facebook page or Craigslist.