Third annual Hound Dog Hike set for Saturday

IRONWOOD — Grab a leash and some walking shoes because the third annual Hound Dog Hike is set for Saturday at Camp K-Nine in Ironwood.

The event kicks off with a walking parade at 9 a.m. and runs through 1 p.m. All proceeds from the event benefit the HOPE Animal Shelter in Ironwood.

The goal is to raise $2,500 for the shelter, and according to Donna Matusewic from Camp K-Nine, the goal has been met each year.

“It’s really worthwhile to know that the animals are taken care of, and that we have a no-kill shelter in our area,” Matusewic said. “Our area is very large and they do a phenomenal job.”

Participants can register the day of the event between 8:30 and 9 a.m. The cost is $18 and includes a T-shirt, bandana for the dog and lunch.

“We’re doing more of a brunch this year, and we should have enough bandanas and T-shirts for everyone,” Matusewic said., “however when we run out, we run out, so register as soon as you can.”

The hike that begins at 9 a.m. is two miles. Matusewic said local law enforcement will help in areas with high amounts of traffic.

“It’s a lot of fun to do the hike,” she said. “Everyone lines up and the parade begins with all of the dogs in their matching bandanas, and all of the people in matching T-shirts.”

In addition to the hike, there will also be a K-9 police demonstration through the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Department from Hayward, Wis.

“That is going to be really cool to see and we will also have door prizes to give away,” Matusewic said. “We thank everyone for helping, including local businesses who sponsored the event with monetary donations. We hope we can continue to grow and promote this event each year.”

For more information or to register, call Matusewic at Camp K-Nine at 906-364-1687, or HOPE Animal Shelter at 906-932-1511. To register online, visit campk-nine.com/THIRD-ANNUAL-Hound-Dog-Hike.html.