by Andree Niswander
Reporter
Hudson -- To raise awareness regarding the role pets can play in the life of a child struggling with mental illness, the Coalition for Children's Mental Health of Hudson is hosting its first annual "What a Difference a Friend Makes Walk With Pets."
Kicking off May 24 at 9:30 a.m. from Seton Catholic School in Hudson, the 1.8 mile walk will finish with activities at Hudson Springs Park.
"Our objective in taking this focus is to associate a unique, positive message with mental health while having a fun event for families," said Mary Bradley, CCMH board of directors chair.
It's the inaugural pet walk for CCMH, and is intended to raise awareness regarding children's mental health issues. Organizers hope this will be the first of many pet walks, according to CCMH Executive Director Marie Yeh.
For a child with mental illness, friendships are one of the most important issues. Pets can make a big difference in that area, said Yeh.
"Pets very much enhance the mental health of their owners," she said. "We know that children especially benefit, because pets give them that unconditional love ... There's no judgement, because they're animals."
Animals in need of friends also will be represented, with the Humane Society of Greater Akron, Mini-Mutts Rescue of Madison and Heaven Can Wait of Akron on hand for attendees interested in a rescued pet.
Although the walk is intended to be a CCMH fundraiser, there is no registration fee. Instead, donations will be accepted either through pre-registration or at the event, according to Yeh.
"We're leaving that up to the people who are going to participate," she said. "We figure people will do what they [can] to support us."
For every $5 donated to CCMH, pet walk participants will receive a raffle ticket. An extra five raffle tickets will go to pre-registrations received before May 16.
Raffle prizes will be awarded after the walk at the park's Clark Pavillion. Raffle prize donations include gift baskets and certificates from area businesses, savings bonds, toys, stuffed animals, therapeutic horse riding lessons and dog boarding.
Other pet-related activities scheduled for the day include dog training sessions for children. For $5, pre-registered children and their dogs will receive training tips from Fredericks Dog Training of Hudson.
Poetic Portraiture of Hudson will take puppy photos, and Hudson Hydrant also is sponsoring a "Family/Pet Costume Contest," both to commence at 10:30 a.m. in Clark Pavillion.
"I'm really pleased to be a part of this event because it really showcases how pets enhance the lives of their owners, especially kids," said Melissa Lorenzo, Hudson Hydrant owner.
For more information or to pre-register for children dog training, call 234-380-9061. Pet walk pre-registrations and donations may be mailed to: CCMH, P.O. Box 1090, Hudson 44236. Walk-day registration will be at Seton Catholic School beginning at 9 a.m.
E-mail: aniswander@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3947