‘Paws in the Park’ raises funds for animals at RISPCA

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals hosted the 23rd annual Paws in the Park at the Goddard State Park in Warwick on Saturday.

“It’s just a good day to be out in the park with some dogs,” RISPCA Director of Community Engagement Stephanie Van Patten said.

The day was filled with raffles, vendors, and even a costume contest, with pups Dolly and Bailey winning the competition as Lilo and Stitch.

“We wanted to have a tandem, a pairing, and Lilo and Stitch was the hottest movie of the summer so, [I thought] ‘lets dress them up,'” contest winner Kenny Nardozza said.

This year’s goal was to raise $35,000.

“So it goes directly to animal care, so at any given point we have about 100 to 150 animals in our care at the shelter and in foster homes,” Van Patten said.

Van Patten said that over the course of the year, about 1000 pets get adopted.

“Because these animals are looking for a second chance… they have already been out there in the world and, you know, they don’t always have the best first experience and so we want their second experience to be the best,” Van Patten said.

All of the pups at the event have found their fur-ever homes, but there are still many animals in shelters just waiting to find theirs.

“The amount of dogs and cats that are homeless across the country is insurmountable. So, every single one counts, and if you can adopt, you absolutely should, its such an incredible and rewarding experience,” Paws in the Park participant Dan Hersey said.

The walk is one of RISPCA’s most important fundraisers of the year.

“We rely on donations and fundraising events to support our operations,” Van Patten said.

The shelter in Warwick is open seven days a week and all adoptable animals are available on their website

Anyone interested in adopting from the RISPCA can visit their website here.