El Paso’s Humane Society Puts On 23rd Annual K-9 Classic

The 23rd annual K-9 Classic took place at Album Park in East El Paso on Sunday.

Organizers said an estimated 300 dogs showed up to bark, wag their tails and walk with their owners.

The event is meant to raise money for operating costs for the El Paso Humane Society. Workers tell ABC-7 that they don’t receive money from any national human society groups, meaning they rely on the bulk of their operating expenses to be paid by public donations. The average dog, counting administrative costs and employee expenses, costs nearly $25 a day to board until they can be adopted.

Jennifer Myers, who was at the walk on Sunday for the first time, said each dog’s story breaks your heart. She was walking a small dog named “Belly.” She was found this year in the desert by a family member while someone was dumping the dog.

“Puppies need help, and they don’t have anyone else,” said Myers. “They need us.”

Her mother was walking with another dog recently rescued, a dog she found at the Humane Society. Myers said the two dogs were loving their new homes, adding that they wouldn’t be alive today without the El Paso Humane Society.

Also at Sunday’s festivities were several dozen Fort Bliss Soldiers. The 343rd 11th 88 Brigade has recently developed a partnership with the Humane Society in El Paso. A colonel with the group told ABC-7 it’s a great give and take relationship for his soldiers because many can’t have dogs, and they relish the opportunity to work with the dogs while gaining community service hours.