Last year, the Claws & Paws event in Clawson attracted over 100 participants from all over the metro Detroit area as well as Ann Arbor and Flint, said event chairperson Tim Burns.
"It was a fun-filled day with lots of excitement," he said.
This year, organizers hope to increase that number, said Burns.
Claws & Paws 2007 is scheduled for May 19. The event will combine a 2-mile fun run, walk and dog jog with a pet care fair and pet adoption event.
Burns said the event, which will wind through the neighborhoods surrounding Clawson City Park, is an opportunity to promote the beautiful atmosphere of Clawson and raise money for the Clawson Chamber of Commerce and the Animal Welfare Society of Southeastern Michigan.
The run/walk/jog begins at 10 a.m. May 19. Sign-in will held at the Clawson Park Pavilion from 9-9:45 a.m.
Runners and walkers are welcome to participate with or without a canine companion, but all must register. Registration forms can be obtained at Clawson City Hall or by logging on to www.clawsonclawspaws.com. Cost to participate is $15 per person in advance, which includes a free event T-shirt. Advance registrations are due by May 10.
Interested persons can also register the day of the event for a $20 fee with T-shirts available while supplies last.
The Pet Care Fair will be held in Clawson City Park. It will feature pet adoptions by the Animal Welfare Society of Southeastern Michigan as well as low-cost vaccinations by Kimball Animal Hospital, pet-related items offered by vendors and informational booths.
New at the Pet Care Fair will be demonstrations by the Troy Police Department K-9 Unit.
Burns said that Oakie, the Oakland County Parks mascot is also expected to meet and greet participants.
Admission to the pet fair is free and participation in the walk/run is not required to attend, said Burns.
Several local pet businesses are supporting the event through sponsorships and by participating in the pet fair, including Camp Bow Wow/Troy, Val's Pet Supplies in Clawson and Troy and Fetch in Ferndale, said Burns.
Nuggets K-9 Waste Removal will provide clean-up services along the run/walk/jog route and after the pet care fair, he said.
Community organizations like local Boy Scouts and the junior optimist club are also involved in various capacities for Claws & Paws, added Burns.
Clawson City Park is located at the intersection of W. Elmwood and Custer. For more information, call the chamber of commerce at (248) 435-6500 or visit www.clawsonclawspaws.com.
Contact Jane Peterson at (248) 745-4573 or jane.peterson@oakpress.com
