Walt Disney World adds magic to Paws in the Park fundraiser and festival

Pluto is showing his love for his fellow furry friends in Central Florida at the Paws in the Park fundraiser and festival at Lake Eola on Valentine’s Day. Hosted by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, the annual family friendly event includes a pet walk, food trucks, vendors, demonstrations, agility contests and a kid zone from Walt Disney World. Plus, Pluto’s owners are offering a fabulous prize to the top individual fundraiser.

The centerpiece of the annual event, which takes place this year on Feb. 14, is the dog walk that serves as a fundraiser for homeless pets and other initiatives of the SPCA of Central Florida. Registration is ongoing now. Participants can join as packs (a group of people who commit to raising at least $500 total) or as individuals. Participation is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and younger. Walkers can even register the day of the event for $35. All registrants receive a T-shirt, doggie bandana and admission to Splash Dogs Dock Diving, the Doggie Fun Zone and the Canine Sports Arena at the event. Walkers do not have to have dogs accompany them to participate.

There is no minimum fundraising requirement for individuals, but incentives are given for collecting amounts from $50 to $1,000. They include such prizes as dog toys, sports water bottle, collapsible bowl and commemorative pin, and six-month and one-year supplies of Frontline Plus. (Registration fees count toward fundraising totals.)

Packs and individuals are encouraged to attend a “pre-registration” event at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, 2727 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839 on Feb. 11 to pick up their T-shirts and other prizes.

This year’s top fundraising pack will win a lunch with Animal Planet star Victoria Stilwell at a dog-friendly Orlando restaurant. This year’s top individual fundraiser will win a two-night stay at a Walt Disney World hotel for two people and two theme-park tickets with Park Hopper for one day.

The walk begins at 9 a.m. with registration at 8 a.m., and the other activities go until 1 p.m. Stilwell is the featured presenter at Lake Eola, and she will be demonstrating various dog-training techniques from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families won’t want to miss the Disney Kids and Family Zone, presented by Walt Disney World, which has interactive activities everyone can enjoy. In addition, nationally recognized company Splash Dogs will offer dock-jumping competitions, and local pet resort Happy Paws hosts a Canine Sports area.

Entrance to park is free, but there is a charge to participate in the event activities. Those not joining the walk who would like to experience the other activities can purchase a $10 pass.

Sponsor WFTV offers these reminders:

** All pets must be at least 6 months old and have proof of vaccinations.
** Dogs only please. No female dogs in heat.
** Pets must wear a suitable collar.
** Keep your dogs on a 6-foot leash or shorter and under control at all times.
** Water for dogs will be supplied.
** Please be considerate and pick-up after your dog.
** For the enjoyment and safety of all participants, any aggressive animal will be asked to leave the park.
** Please obey all rules of Lake Eola. No swimming in the lake and no chasing the ducks or swans.

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