Walk raises $260K for humane society

Hundreds of people and their dogs outfitted in bandanas, sports jerseys and knit sweaters helped raised more than $260,000 for the Pasadena Humane Society during its 13th annual Wiggle Waggle Walk on Sunday.

The event at Brookside Park in Pasadena featured two walking routes — dog water bowls included — as one of the society’s major fundraisers.

Pasadena Humane Society provides animal control services for Glendale and other areas.

“Thank you for being a part of this great community event to witness your support in the care and treatment of pets,” Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard said.

San Gabriel resident Sharon Chavez recruited four family members to walk in shirts that read “Team Millie” in honor of her 10-year-old Shih Tzu who died in February from lymphoma.

“I always wanted to do this walk with her, but I kept going, ‘Next year, next year, next year.’ I never had that opportunity,” she said. “We created this team to walk in her memory today. It’s a walk out of love and honor.”

Walkers had the choice of either a three-mile or 1.5-mile route as volunteers handed out water bottles and refilled dog bowls.

Dogs were also entered into “Most Glamorous Girl” and “Handsomest Hound” contests and showed off their skills in games meant to test their agility. They were also paid a visit by Glendale police dog Yudy.

Pasadena resident Ted Serrano walked his nearly 2-year-old boxer named Max as part of a 30-member team, Team Barktree, which ranked fourth in the top 10 fundraising teams, pulling in nearly $9,000.

The top fundraising team, the Punk Rock Rovers, came in at $40,000, organizers said.

Hundreds of volunteers assisted with the event.

“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers,” said Ricky Whitman, vice president of community resources for the society. “They help us in every way.”