Smokey Named 2018 Walk Mascot of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League's Event

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – February 22, 2018 – Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League’s 17th Annual Barry Crown Walk for the Animals will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at CityPlace (NEW walk location) located at 700 S Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, FL. The League is pleased to announce that the 2018 Walk Mascot is Smokey! 

Smokey (now known as Fenrir aka Fen) was found chained to a tree and trapped in a brush fire in March, 2017. "The little guy was burned up pretty good. Even when we grabbed him, he was very distressed. I was concerned whether he would live," said Capt. Gregg Gordon, West Palm Beach Fire Rescue. Thousands of dollars from hundreds of concerned citizens mobilized to save this sweet young animal. Saving Smokey was touch and go for a while. Dr. Beth Keser, the League's Lead Veterinarian, notes that "he had third degree burns, some internal, and his leg was burned down to the bone. With the help of Dr. Latimer and Jupiter Pet Emergency and Specialty Center, Smokey received 40 treatments in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, two blood transfusions, extensive wound care and lots of love from staff and volunteers at the League." Dr. Keser reports, and despite enduring so much pain, he is animated, affectionate and happy.

Dr. Katelyn Thomas, a veterinary intern at Jupiter Pet Emergency and Specialty Center and one of the veterinary interns who cared for Smokey during his first two months of recovery, fell in love with him. When asked if she was interested in adopting the little guy, her response was a tear-filled, "OF COURSE!!!" The next day she came to the League, made the adoption official, and she drove her Smokey home. 

All of those that join the Walk for the Animals will save the lives of so many injured, homeless, and abandoned animals here in Palm Beach County... just like Smokey. 

This pet-friendly walk begins at 9:00am with check-in and registration, live entertainment, and a free breakfast compliments of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Animal Kindness Unit. At 10:15 am after opening ceremonies, participants will enjoy a scenic walk that will begin and end near the Cheesecake Factory. This year’s Walk will be led by Smokey with his new family, his fire fighter rescuers, Dr. Latimer and the staff of Jupiter Pet Emergency and Specialty Center!

As participants complete the route, they'll enjoy pet costume contests with amazing prize baskets at center stage. Categories include Best Dressed, Most Creative, Owner/Pet Look-A-Like and Best in Show. There will also be live entertainment, local vendors, and a fabulous silent auction and raffle area with great prizes. The event is emceed by Jennifer Ross of Sunny 107.9 FM and WFTL 850AM . The event concludes at noon.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to walk and form teams. Each registrant who raises at least $35 will receive a free t-shirt and a special gift for their pet and there are many fundraising opportunities to earn amazing incentives. Awards will be given out that day for the top team fundraiser and runner up. 

"Our Walk for the Animals has grown tremendously over the years and we are very excited to have CityPlace host this year’s Walk," said Rich Anderson, Executive Director/CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. "As a nonprofit that receives no city, state or federal government funding, the League relies on community support to help us provide services to more than 45,000 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens every year, we are extremely grateful to all of those who get involved in this event." 

All proceeds benefit Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. The Walk is presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Other sponsors include: Sunny 107.9, CityPlace, Nozzle Nolen Pest Control, Scenthound, Grizzard, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley, Residence Inn Marriott West Palm Beach Downtown CityPlace, NCCI, Very Important Paws and The Ohana Pet Resort. To learn more about the 17th Annual Barry Crown Walk for the Animals and/or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.WalkWithPeggy.org or call 561-530-6057.

The Mission of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Incorporated is to provide shelter to lost, homeless and unwanted animals, to provide spay and neuter and other medical services for companion animals, and to care for, protect, and find quality homes for homeless and neglected companion animals, to advocate animal welfare, community involvement and education to further the bond between people and animals. 

Located in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach, CityPlace is the premier destination for memorable food & beverage, retail, arts & culture, education and community experiences. A historic cultural arts theater, private residences, commercial office space, a spectacular show fountain and open-air plaza add to the atmosphere enjoyed by visitors and locals year-round.