K-9 classic returns to raise money for the Humane Society foster program

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- The 34th annual k9 classic fundraiser brought out vendors and adoptable dogs all to raise money for the humane society’s foster program.

The event started with a 1.5-mile walk around the lake for humans and their furry friends. Some pets however started off with a swim.

"Every year our volunteer foster families care for nearly 15,000 foster babies," said Deb Benedict Executive Director of the Humane Society of El Paso.

"Puppies and kittens, as well as moms with litters," said Benedict. Some litter's as young as 8 weeks old.

"That means they're too young to be adopted because they need to be bottle fed in many instances and because they're so young and oftentimes orphans need to be fed every hour or 2 hours by humans who are willing to take on that very special program," said Benedict.

Benedict says together foster families donate over 50,000 hours of work each year.

“Our foster families all do this as an act of love," said Benedict, "We couldn’t even come close to hiring enough staff to do the same job."

According to Benedict thanks to foster fancies over 1,250 dogs and cats were cared for in 2022.

But Benedict says if you can’t foster you can still help the cats and dogs in your community.

"We have people who do everything from helping care for the kennels to walking our dogs, to snuggling with our kittens and puppies. So there's something for everyone, regardless of whether you're a kid or older, like some of us," said Benedict.

After a successful 34th year of the k-9 classic. Wagging trails will no doubt return next year for the 35th.