BRUNSWICK

The Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelter are gearing up for its 13th annual 5K and walk fundraiser, the “ Save a Stray 5K,” which takes place on Saturday, Aug. 25 at L.L.Bean’s Discovery Park in Freeport

The Save a Stray 5K raises money for 3,500 animals cared for and placed in homes each year at the two shelters.

The event will feature the dog- friendly 5K and one-mile walk which circle the L.L.Bean campus and downtown Freeport, as well as many new events. Throughout the weekend, Dock Dogs will be set up for demonstrations and audience participation in Moose Park.

Runners, walkers, and festival attendees are encouraged to bring their canine friends, though they must be leashed at all times.

Saturday’s festival following the 5K, L.L.Bean’s Dog Days of August, will also feature police dog demonstrations with the Freeport K-9 unit, a Meet and Greet with Kris Mac- Cabe and K-9 Morgan from “ North Woods Law,” an Ask- a- Vet booth, animal communicator Judy Garbow, face-painting, a lowcost rabies vaccination clinic, and more. Details are available at saveastray5k.org.

Registrants are encouraged to compete in Coastal Humane Society’s Canine Contests with their dogs for Fastest Ice Cream Eater, Best Trick, Musical Chairs, Costume Contest and Best Pet/Owner Lookalike for prizes.

The event will be emceed by WGME’s Katie Sampson and Jana Barnello.

Save a Stray participants will earn rewards for raising money through personalized fundraising pages. Rewards include L.L.Bean gift cards, a CHS/ LCAS fleece blanket, cell phone pop- socket, and a laser pointer keychain that will keep pets endlessly entertained. Registration for the Walk and/or 5K is $25 per person until the day of the event. Those who register by August 15th are guaranteed to receive a commemorative 2018 Save a Stray T-shirt.

Event registrations and donations to Save a Stray 5K and Festival benefit the more than 3,500 stray and surrendered animals that receive medical care, food, surgery, vaccines and comfort at Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelter.

“Save a Stray is a fantastic way for our community members to show just how much they care about animals in our community,” said Executive Director Trendy Stanchfield. “It’s a guaranteed great time. You can bring your dog, get some exercise, enjoy a gorgeous Maine summer day, and make a difference for the cats, dogs, and critters that rely on us. You can spend the day with people who love animals as much as you.”

For those who are unable to attend Save a Stray on August 25th, the shelter has added the option to sign up as a virtual participant, so that shelter supporters can still support critters in need and fundraise on their behalf.

Main sponsors include L. L. Bean, Bath Savings, Kurgo and the Times Record, with additional support from “ Fearless Feline” sponsors The Boulos Company and Downeast Dog News.

To sign up, donate, or get more details, visit SaveAStray5K.org or call ( 207) 449- 1366. Visitors may also register in person at the shelter’s administrative building, 190 Pleasant St. in Brunswick.

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