Annual “Dam Dog Walk” Set for Saturday at Hartwell Dam

The weather should be perfect for this weekend’s 11th annual Dam Dog Walk at the Hartwell Dam.

The event is scheduled for Saturday from 10a to 2p at the Big Oaks Recreation Center on Highway 29/the Anderson Highway in Hartwell next to the Dam.

According to Humane Society President, Donna Madkiff, this is an opportunity to help raise money so the group can help sick and injured animals.

“Proceeds raised at this event help to fund medical care for the sickest of the animals that we rescue, like heartworm treatment or amputations, etc.” Madkiff said. “Money we raise from adoptions doesn’t cover that kind of care so that’s what the money raised will go towards.”

Madkiff said this year the Dam Dog Walk will kick off with a formal pet parade along the path to the Hartwell Dam.

“It’s different this year, so we’re trying to get the word out. We’re having an organized parade up on the run, walk, waddle trail. In the past people just walked whenever they wanted, at their leisure. This year it’s going to be a parade of people beginning at 10:30a,” Madkiff said. “People can come with their own personal pets or we’ll have dogs there from our group, foster dogs, as well as Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter will be there as well if people want to borrow a dog t take a walk.”

If you don’t want to participate in the Pet Parade, dog owners can still walk along the path that leads to the dam and back again, about a two-mile walk round trip.

Later Saturday, there will also be a Pet Pageant and Madkiff says that will include prizes.

“After the parade is over, at 12 o’clock, we’ll have the pet pageant, called ‘The Best Dog by a Dam Site Pet Pageant.’ Those participating in the pageant will get a custom t-shirt and their pooch will get a chance to earn a medal. There is a $25 registration fee to participate in the pageant, which includes a commemorative t-shirt,” Madkiff explained.

If you don’t take part in the pageant, you can still buy a T-shirt for $25 each.

This year’s Dam Dog Walk is sponsored by Purina, which is building a new pet food plant in Hartwell.

In addition to the walk, Madkiff said food and craft vendors will be on hand as well as dogs available for adoption.

The Dam Dog Walk is open to everyone and there is no charge to come and walk your dog.

Again the 11th Annual Dam Dog Walk takes place Saturday from 10a to 2p at the Big Oaks Recreation Center on Highway 29/the Anderson Highway in Hartwell.

For more information, contact the Hart County Humane Society at 706-376-1769.