HAMLET — The city of Hamlet’s fifth annual Walk ’N Wag brought pet owners and community members together to support local animal organizations, raising $500 for the Richmond County Animal Shelter and Richmond County Operation Fix.
The event featured a walk along Main Street, with dogs from the Richmond County Animal Shelter leading participants. After the walk, attendees took part in a costume contest, where Maxwell received honorable mention, Charmin placed third, Saint took second and Magnolia earned first place.
Additional activities included a raffle for themed pet baskets and an opportunity for participants to take Polaroid pictures with their pets, taken by Toni Kubiak, administrative assistant for the city of Hamlet.
City officials said the event continues to highlight community support for organizations that serve animals in need.
“It’s always fun. People are so positive with all their dogs and pets, so it’s always great to see that amount of positivity come out to Hamlet,” said Kubiak. “I hope people see that it’s important to support organizations like Richmond County Operation Fix and the animal shelter, and how much any donation can make a difference for them.”
Mechelle Preslar, director of community engagement and economic development, said participation in the event has grown over time.
“I think the Walk ’N Wag has grown. The participation is awesome and we want to continue to have it. We want to continue to grow even bigger because it benefits two great organizations, Richmond County Operation Fix and Richmond County Animal Shelter. They do a lot of great things for the pets in this county,” Preslar said.
The Richmond County Animal Shelter had orginially scheduled to host its Memorial Day Red White and Rescue adoption event on May 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but the event has now been rescheduled to May 16 due to weather conditions. The event will include music, food trucks, local vendors, adoption ceremonies and a bandana-making contest.
Adoption fees will be $60 for cats and $80 for dogs, both of which include spaying or neutering. Fees will be reduced by 50% for individuals who present a military ID.
Richmond County Operation Fix, a community outreach program, provides discounted spay and neuter services and a pet pantry for families in need. Updates on services are regularly shared through the organization’s official social media pages.