It wasn’t quite the walk in the park they had hoped for. Still, about 250 dog lovers and their costumed canines took to the trails at Delcastle Park in Wilmington on October 22nd for the 8th annual Wag-n-Walk and 5K Run for PAWS for People.
The pet therapy organization provides support and companionship to people dealing with diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and chemical dependency, and they motivate children and adults with disabilities to learn new skills and become more independent.
“This organization makes such a difference,” remarked Walk participant Donna Ianire, whose mother, in 2010, received frequent visits at the hospital by one of the pet therapy teams while undergoing cancer chemo treatments. “Sadie was my mom’s pet therapy dog, and she would always come right up to my mom offering unconditional love. My mom was always so happy when Sadie visited – she a wonderful distraction from the doctors and nurses and the demands of her treatment,” she said.