Animal lovers from around Puget Sound get together for PAWSWalk 2017

Animal lovers from across the Puget Sound area got together at Marymoor Park Saturday for the 26th annual PAWSWalk.

It's organized by "PAWS", a local non-profit that cares for thousands of animals that are homeless, sick or injured.

"PAWSWalk" highlights the successes for this group -- which includes the increase in spaying and neutering of cats and dogs in our area.

But one challenge is the number of wild animals that come through their shelters, many times, chased out of their habitats by urban growth.

“PAWS is like Harborview Hospital for injured and sick wild animals,” says PAWS CEO Annette Laico. “Our intention is to provide any medical care and rehab that they need and then release them back into the wild.”

PAWS says it's always looking for volunteers and donations, especially with more animals coming in from overcrowded shelters in other states like California and Texas.

We talked to animal lovers at the event who say adopting animals through Paws has been a wonderful experience.

“I fell in love as soon as I saw the dog,” says Ann Sweeney from Woodinville.  She adopted her dog Lily 2 years ago.

“We brought her home and she’s been the best thing ever. She’s been a blessing”.

PAWSWalk 2017 was sponsored in part by KIRO 7. Anchor Monique Ming Laven was one of the emcees.

The event hopes to raise 150 thousand dollars this year.

Cox Media Group