Competitions for the best-dressed pet, best pet trick, fluffiest pet and wiggliest butt will mark the first-ever Paws for Prevention fundraiser. The lighthearted event, which will include a pet parade, is in support of a serious cause.
It’s a fundraiser, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Burly Brewing, 680 Atchison Way, in Castle Rock, sponsored by the Colorado chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“Finding support for suicide loss or suicide in general can be challenging and awkward; and we wanted to do something a little different,” said Vanessa Lopez, a member of the AFSP Colorado volunteer coordination team. “Most of us board members are pet owners or animal lovers. Our idea was to create a cheerful event for people. It’s geared toward fundraising, but it’s purely about making connections with other people in the community.
If the event is successful, the organization hope to expand the event to other locations.
Paws for Prevention is a free event. If an attendee donates or raises $35 or more, they’ll receive an AFSP pet bandanna.
Pets play a significant role in mental health, studies show. Eighty-four percent of pet owners surveyed say that their pets have a mostly positive impact on their mental health, according to a 2024 American Psychiatric Association poll. And, pet owners are more physically active than non-owners, according to the National Library of Medicine.
“I have my own personal struggles and have lost someone; animals have been a big part of staying on track for me,” Lopez said.
For more about the May 4 event, click here.