The Sebastian community came together last Saturday for the Second Annual “Love of Paws” Walk-A-Thon on the scenic Sebastian Preserve Rail Trail, raising over $5,000 for the Pet Pantry Meals on Wheels program.
These funds will support the distribution of over 1,600 lbs. of free pet food weekly to seniors’ pets.
Participants enjoyed a delightful day walking with their pets, serenaded by local ukulele players, and browsing basket raffles organized by Ted Pankiewicz, Director of The Love of Paws. The event was proudly sponsored by the Circle of Friends Women’s Club in Sebastian, a dedicated volunteer group.
Several local businesses donated to the raffle baskets:
- MoBay Grill
- Riverwalk Café
- Chubby Mullet
- Old Fish House
- Moes Deli
- Vic’s Pizza
- Red Nails Salon
- Hidden Oasis Nails
- Latte Da Coffee
- Hair Craze Salon
- Sebastian Sandwich Shack
- Harmony Pet Salon
- Skydive Sebastian
- Dunkin Donuts
- Dapper Dog Salon
- CC’s Place
- Subway
- E Power Bike Shop
- Woody’s BBQ
- Bamboo Court
- Country Egg & Ham
- Sandy’s Grille
- Paradise Florist
- Ellen’s Sweets & Treats
- Krogel Fresh Market
- ELC River Cruise
- Captain Hiram’s River Cruise
- Mary Kay
- Capt. Robert
- Frangione Flight Instr.
- River Tunes Ukulele Group
- Sebastian Municpal Airport
- Pampered Pets
- Sebastian Saltwater
- Manatee Madness, Vitamins Plus
- Spa 11:11
- Skin Garden
- California Nails
- Harvest Thyme Kitchen
- Yellow Dog Cafe
- Marsh Bistro
Love of Paws Programs
Love of Paws supports seniors and their pets through various initiatives: Pet Sanctuary for pets of seniors unable to care for them; Fur Reel Pet Companions for memory care patients; a Therapy Dog Program providing certified dog teams to hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers; Pet Emergency Oxygen Kits for local Fire Rescue units; a Free Spay and Neuter Program for seniors’ pets; the Precious Paws Vet Care Fund for low-income seniors; and the Love of Paws Thrift Store in Vero Beach.
For more information, contact info@pawspetsanctuary.org.
