Walk for Paws

Presented by The Bridge to Hope & Dunn County Humane Society

Join DCHS and The Bridge to Hope at Holtby Hall at the Rassbach Museum on Sunday, October 12th for our Community Festival and Walkathon as we raise awareness for Domestic Violence and create a brighter future for both people and pets in our community.

This is more than just a walk — it’s a day of family fun, all while supporting your community’s non-profits. Together with The Bridge to Hope, we’re raising awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and raising vital funds for both organizations.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and through this event, we’re acknowledging that violence doesn’t just affect individuals, but families, pets, and entire communities. By joining forces with The Bridge to Hope, we’re committing to create a safe and nurturing community for all—people and pets alike. Come for the walk, but stay for the community, food trucks, raffles, games, and festivities — all for a good cause!

Walkathon

Our walkathon is not a race — it’s an opportunity to come together as a community as we walk through the around the Rassbach Museum.

Pets are more than welcome to join! Feel free to bring your well-socialized and vaccinated pets on a leash or in a backpack, stroller, or carrier so they can join in on the fun!

Whether you are walking solo, with your family, or with your four-legged friends, your participation will help support vital services for those in need in our community.

Registration for the walk is $10 for individuals and $25 for families. All proceeds benefit the Dunn County Humane Society and The Bridge to Hope.

Help us Stuff the Truck by bringing an item donation for The Bridge to Hope or DCHS to the event!

Click here to see what items DCHS needs

Click here to see what items The Bridge to Hope needs

Community Festival

Spend the day at the park with us for activities for the whole family! We’ll have local food trucks, and raffle baskets with fantastic prizes. We’ll also have an inflatable bounce house, custom pet portraits, a chance to “Ask A Vet” with Dr. Lisa from Pet Care Xpress, and so much more! There’s something for everyone!

Event Schedule

• 12:00 PM: Registration opens for the Walk

• 1:00 PM: Walkathon begins

• 2:00 PM: Raffle Basket drawings

Sponsor a Trail Sign along the path at Holtby Hall for just $50! This year’s trail signs will include pictures of adoptable pets, creating a delightful path of furry faces, encouraging us as we walk around the Rassbach Museum, and acknowledging our sponsors in a memorable way. Sponsors will also have the option to take home the sign with the picture of their sponsored pet.

• Why is this event important?

  The event is a celebration of community spirit, family fun, and advocacy. Funds raised through the Walkathon will benefit both DCHS and The Bridge to Hope, providing essential services to people and animals in need.

  “Violence affects not just individuals but entire families—including pets. This event allows us to come together, raise awareness, and contribute to a brighter future for our community,” said Harvey, Shelter Manager at Dunn County Humane Society.

  While discussing the importance of this event, Jenn McDermid, Director of Domestic Abuse Victim Services for The Bridge to Hope, shared, "The Bridge to Hope is 1 of only 8 pet-friendly shelters among the 72 domestic violence shelters in Wisconsin. Recognizing the critical link between survivors and their pets, our shelter addresses a vital need: the fact that perpetrators often threaten or abuse pets to exert control over their victims. Many survivors hesitate to leave abusive situations if they cannot take their beloved animals with them, ultimately prolonging their suffering. Through our strong community partnership in Dunn County Humane Society, we are both committed to fostering environments where both survivors and their pets can thrive free from abuse."

  This event is more than just a walk; it's a chance to connect with your community and make a difference in the lives of families and pets facing challenges. Together, we are taking strides against violence, for people and pets.

• What kind of family friendly activities will you have?

  Our Community Festival will include:

  • Bounce House

  • Food Trucks

  • Ask a Vet booth

  • Custom Pet Portraits

  • Community Pet Walk

• What does it cost?

  Registration for our Pet Walkathon:

  • $10 for individuals

  • $25 for families

  First 30 registrants will receive an exclusive goody bag at check-in!

• Did you say Food Trucks?

  Yes, we did!!

  This year we’re partnering with Rex Mex and K&K Poppin Stop.

Special Thanks to our sponsors, partners, and neighbors including:

• Confidential Records, Inc.

• Hoof & Paw Clinic

• Jackie Hunt, State Farm Insurance

• Nyhus Erectors

• Marshfield Clinic

• Synergy Retirement Planning Strategies

• Kwik Trip

• Cedar Falls Heating and Cooling

• Synergy Cooperative

• Paws & Claws Total Dog

• Faze’s Tobacco

• Bauer Built, Inc.

• Pet Food Plus

• Bill’s Distributing

• Rock ‘n Roll To Go

• Kado Gallery