Around 75 dogs hit the boardwalk at Humane Society charity walk today (15 dog photos)

Organizers estimate 75 dogs and 125 walkers raised approximately $17,000 for the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society today at the organization’s annual Cause for Paws dog walk fundraiser.

This year’s top individual pledge collector was Diane Nelson who, along with her two cocker spaniels Holly and Duncan, raised $5,000 for the event.

Nelson has participated in the walk for the last 25 years and in the last 12 years she has never raised less than $4,000 she said.

“I’ve just always been interested in animals,” said Nelson. “We have to be responsible (for them), they can’t speak for themselves.”

Four months ago, Nelson’s friend Patty Parks in El Paso lost her French bulldog ‘Wolfgang’.

At the request of Nelson, the Sault Ste. Marie charity walk was held in Wolfgang’s honor this year.

Funds raised support the organization’s adoption programs, spaying and neutering, medical care for animals, and for stuff like food and toys said Jamie Moss, organizer and president for the Humane Society Board of Directors.

Moss said the local shelter will have anywhere from 120 to 130 ‘dogs, cats, and critters’ on site at a given time.

The 1 km dog walk started at noon and went from Roberta Bondar Pavilion to the Walmart at the Station Mall and then back.