The Animal Humane Society's Walk for Animals is this Saturday

Want to walk for animals this Saturday but St. Paul's a little out of the way? If Golden Valley is closer to your neck of the woods, then you're in luck.

This year, the Animal Humane Society will care for some 35,000 animals. Those pups, kittens and other critters need your help to get the care they deserve. Did you know the Animal Humane Society receives no federal, state or county funding? It operates out of funds generated by adoption and retail fees along with charitable donations. This weekend you can walk, collect pledges, donate and show your support for the Animal Humane Society and the many pets the organization cares for.

The annual Animal Humane Society's Walk for Animals, sponsored in part by Purina, starts at 10 a.m. at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley. The Walk heads through Theodore Wirth Park and then back to the Animal Humane Society, for a total of five miles (though you can turn around at any point).

Bring your pets of all shapes and sizes–as long as they're friendly, of course, and up to date on vaccinations.

Come prepared for the weather–the walk is on, no matter the conditions!

Festivities begin bright and early at 8:30 a.m. with live music and activities, followed by the Walk at 10, pet contests at noon and a variety of pet-centered activities until 2 p.m., including a microchip and nail trim clinic.

Calling it "the best stand-up-on-your-hind-legs-and-bark event of the year," the Animal Humane Society has a hefty goal of $1,000,000 for this fundraising event. It's a big number, but nearly half of the funds have already been raised and the walk is still four days away. And with that tight timeline, if you don't have time to collect funds for the event before the weekend, don't worry, there is no minimum fundraising requirement to attend the event. However, keep in mind that the goal of the Walk is to raise funds for animals in need and a $25 donation is suggested.

If you receive pledges after the Walk, mail them to the following address with a note including your name, address and a request to add the funds to your Walk total:

Attn: Walk for Animals
845 Meadow Lane North
Golden Valley, MN 55422

If you are unable to attend the Walk but you'd still like to contribute, you can mail your donation to this address as well.

For more information, visit this website.