a476c6bd86244b466f31b18c80eb66be.jpg

HIGHTSTOWN: Community dogs are ruffin’ around

The fifth annual Paws Walk is set to transform the picturesque borough of Hightstown into a doggy paradise.

By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
   HIGHTSTOWN — The dogs are coming out this Saturday.
   ”For one day, the dogs rule. It’s nice,” said Lisa Thibault, a member of Hightstown’s Animal Welfare Committee, which is sponsoring the fifth annual Paws Walk. “It’s just nice bonding for people and their pets. It’s great for the dogs because they are very social animals.”
   With more than 150 dogs expected to participate, the event begins at 10:30 a.m., rain or shine, at Ely House, the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society’s headquarters, on Bank Street.
   This year, the Paws Walk will feature demonstrations by therapy dogs as well as highlight local rescue groups including AFEW Pet Rescue, Pet Rescue of Mercer and EASEL Pet Rescue.
   More than 30 dog-friendly businesses, as well community organizations and other local businesses, are participating.
   ”We try to involve everyone we can,” Ms. Thibault said.
   Vendors will range from pet rescue groups to Bark Busters and Paws Party Treats.
   Once registered, dogs and their owners are invited to begin the walk, which is about a mile long, at the Ely House.
   ”The walk itself will be interesting. It’s a different route this year,” Ms. Thibault said.
   ”About two-thirds of the walkers come from Hightstown and East Windsor, and we are happy to have walkers from many of the surrounding towns in Mercer, Middlesex and Burlington counties,” said Barb Harrington of the Animal Welfare Committee. Ms. Harrington is a Paws Walk co-chairwoman, alongside Robin Conrad.
   ”Paws Walk is an annual event that celebrates the love we have for our dogs,” Ms. Harrington said. “The local charm of a small town is a draw for many of these loyal dog-lovers.”
   The fundraising event includes plenty of options for all the participating dogs and their owners.
   A dog can create a paw print at a craft station, get a pet massage, or enjoy some free time at the new Puppy Playground.
   The Puppy Playground features a teeter-totter, pool, weave poles to test agility, a jump bar, among many additional stations. In addition to the new playground for active dogs, the committee is introducing something a bit more original: Pet Idol.
   Talented dogs will have the chance to perform in front of a live, dog-loving audience. The stage is located at Association Park.
   Mayor Steve Kirson will judge Pet Idol, which begins at 12:15 p.m.
   ”We are expecting great things,” Ms. Harrington said.
   Local photographer Scott Caster, a former borough mayor, will be taking candid photographs of the dogs walking. The candid photos will be available online at no cost, Ms. Harrington said.
   Additionally, to help feed dogs less fortunate, there will be a pet food pantry at one vendor’s table.
   The cost of registration is $15 per dog. All proceeds from registration go to the Animal Welfare Committee. In addition to running a Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) program, the committee educates the public on animal welfare, as well works to assist lost, homeless and injured pets.
   ”I just think animals help people in general,” Ms. Harrington explained. “I think the kinds of things you get from your dogs and cats are just immeasurable. … That’s why we want to give a day just to our pets.”
   To learn more about the Animal Welfare Committee of Hightstown, visit www.hightstownborough.com. The committee meets the last Monday of every month at the municipal building.