Run for the Paws to Benefit Humane Society of Naples

Andre Middleton at the 3mile marker – all smiles.

If you are an animal lover—feathers, furs, scales or fins—the Run for the Paws is an annual ritual to benefit the Humane Society of Naples (HSN). Run for the Paws is in its 14th year and its popularity is growing—with 500+ participating runners with and without their furry friends. The course was flat and very walker–friendly to canines and their human companions.

There was a lot of barking and tail wagging and canines out of their comfort zones seeking reassurance from their human handlers. Along the course, the dogs were allowed to stop and “read the newspaper” to get up to check out the new neighborhood. At the finish line, water bowls and treats were waiting with the awards given to the top 3 Fastest Paws.

The Mission of the Naples Humane Society is sheltering animals in times of need, locating life-long homes, and advocating for responsible pet ownership. According to their website, in addition to their shelter and adoption functions, they also provide numerous outreach programs in schools and businesses to promote respectable pet ownership.

Their Veterinary Clinic offers low or no-cost pet sterilization for low-income pet parents. Additionally, every pet that is adopted at HSN does not leave the adoption center until it is spayed or neutered.

In the early days of Collier County up through the late 1950s, there was no local organization to care for lost, injured or abandoned pets. Concerned citizens pooled their resources to form what in 1960 officially became known as Humane Society of Naples with Lois House as the founding President.

In 2018, the HSN has sheltered, rescued and adopted 2,871 pets into their forever, loving homes!

Congratulations to all Marco Island participants to the 14th Run for the Paws: Wendy McCarthy, Nola Gastineau, Gayle Collins, Kito Middleton, Marty James, Vanessa Alvarez, Robin Smith, Judi Lewis, Sharon Mitchell, Charles and Maria Lamb, Laura Karadimas, Brooks Carmignani, Dolores Lobos, Linda Besania and Mary Robinson!