Sun, 08/09/2015 - 7:00am

Regina Ketcheson, Coastal Humane Society

Come join the fun and be sure to bring your four-legged family members to the Paws for a Cause event in Freeport on Aug. 22. Courtesy photo

The Coastal Humane Society will be holding its 10th anniversary Paws for a Cause 5k and 1-mile walk/parade on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Join Coastal Humane Society and animal lovers from all over for this fun and exciting event that supports and celebrates shelter animals.

Now in its 10th year, Paws for a Cause raises money and awareness for homeless and neglected animals along Maine's Midcoast. Four-legged family members are encouraged to participate, so bring along friends, family and your pooch in this event for everyone at any level.

The 5k kicks off at 8 a.m. in scenic Freeport at Memorial Park (the corner of Bow and Park), and is followed by a one-mile walk at Discovery Park, L.L. Bean (10 a.m.) for those interested in a shorter route with their canine companions. Teams are highly encouraged, and the team with the greatest show of team spirit will take home the prestigious Silver Dog Bowl.

Shelter animals depend on help from our community for their medicine, shelter, food and care. They need you and your friends to make the difference in their lives. Coastal cares for 2,500 dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals per year.

Every registrant gets a free T-shirt and if you raise $100 or more for Coastal animals, you will receive a free gift card to L.L. Bean, up to $100 in value, courtesy L.L. Bean.

Stick around for Dog Contests, including Best Barker, Best Tail-Wagger, Best Dressed, Best Kisser, and Best Pet/Owner Look Alike (for those that registered for the 5k or 1-Mile), and for L.L. Bean's annual summer festival, The Dog Days of August, featuring demonstrations, vendors, and plenty of other canine fun.