Many cats and dogs have no owners to love them and no place to call their own. There are various organizations that truly dedicate their time to helping these animals, one of them being the Humane Society located in Latrobe. Each fall they host Action for Animals, a walk at Twin Lakes Park designed to provide these furry friends with a home.

For each round the participants make, family, friends and neighbors sponsor them; the profits are then given to the shelter. Those involved in the activity are allowed to bring their pets along; some even dress their animals in costumes.

Prizes are awarded to the people who raise the most money, and the animal that has the best ensemble. All those who volunteer receive a t-shirt. When participants are finished there is a pavilion arranged with food, pets from the shelter and souvenirs.

This year juniors Sarah Hay and Amanda Sterrett attended. The Animal Awareness club, an organization at GS, supported the activity last year. This group of students, led by Mrs. Julie Firmstone, supports primarily no-kill shelters. The club uses a series of fundraisers to support animals in need.

Junior Annie Askins is the President of the Animal Awareness club and went to the event last fall. She raised $240 for the shelter. However, she did not participate this year because at the time there were no activities planned for the group.

“(Last year) We walked around the park and climbed on rocks,” Askins said “It was a lot of fun.”

Students who supported Action for Animals seemed to enjoy the experience. Whether one attends because they love animals or just to have a good time, the cause is worthwhile. The Humane Society is also a good shelter to support because it is one of the only places in the area that doesn’t kill the animals.