Ollie, my rescued Irish Wolfhound, and I are walking to raise money to help the thousands of animals that enter the Humane Society of Berks County shelters every year -- and the thousands of other animals and people who benefit from the HSBC's services and education.

We hope the funds we raise will help:

• find loving new homes for thousands of homeless animals this year, through the HSBC's innovative, award-winning adoption programs, which have made it possible to match all the healthy, adoptable homeless pets that enter the HSBC shelters with "forever families";
• spay and neuter thousands of pets this year, and treat the injured and ill animals that enter the shelter;
• help pets whose caregivers are victims of illness, economic downturn, domestic violence and other catastrophes, through the Ani-Meals on Wheels program, the nationally acclaimed PetNet program, and the Berks County Animal Response Team;
• educate thousands of children and adults each year about kindness and respect toward all animals;
• address and investigate problems of animal cruelty and neglect;
• and much, much more. For information on how your gift will be used, please visit www.berkshumane.org and click on Services.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone you think might want to donate too!