Pink Paws Walk Again!

Pink hues dominate the streets of Norwood the last Sunday in October. On this day, for the past three years, dogs are take the lead in the fight again breast cancer. On October 30, the 4th Annual Breast In Show Walk, sponsored by The Soggie Doggie, in S. Norwood, recruit both two and four legged volunteers to raise money for cancer research. The four-legged companions will accompany their families, and all walkers are invited, with or without a dog!
Participants and their leashed pets will launch the walk at The Soggie Doggie, 1159 Washington St., in South Norwood, at 10 a.m., and proceed to Norwood Center and the Town Common, for a break and social gathering. The return trip heads down Central St., down Guild, Broadway and Washington St., and back to the salon.
In past years, approximately 120-140 walkers participated, where almost 80 dogs and even 1 cat (in a carrier) has joined in the event. Co-owners Becky Collins and Meghan Terwilliger were inspired to initiate the walk after seeing football players wearing pink in October, the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Both women have unfortunately experienced the life-changing effects of breast cancer within their families and wanted to reach out to help find a cure for this devastating diagnosis.
"The idea started as simply encouraging clients to do pink creative grooming through the month of October, Terwilliger said. "We then thought maybe we could join in on an already established walk (Susan G Comen or Avon) with all of our pink pets, but then decided that we should just do our own!"
Not available to attend the event but want to contribute? Throughout the month of October, The Soggie Doggie enhances its high quality and creative dog and cat grooming to raise monetary donations through their pet services. All the proceeds from the purchase of any pink creative color (dye the ears, tail, paws, etc.), pink feather extensions or pink nail pawlish will go directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), where 100% of every dollar goes into the fund. Check out their Facebook Page at The Soggie Doggie for some great examples of pink grooming services. Spray-on color options will also be available the day of the event.
"Everyone has been affected by breast cancer in some way," Terwilliger said. "We all know somebody who has either survived breast cancer, passed away because of breast cancer, or is fighting it now. We want to do whatever we can to help these doctors find a cure. And who doesn't love a pink dog?!"
Registration for the Breast in Show Walk is $30 and each participant will receive a silicone wristband and t-shirts (while supplies last). Walkers with or without dogs (or cats in carriers) are welcome! For more information or to obtain a registration form, contact The Soggie Doggie, 1159 Washington St., Norwood, 781-352-3509. The event will take place rain or shine.