Walk for Animals This Sunday

When a lab is finish performing tests on its rats, or rabbits or cats, there is nowhere for the animals to go, Kate St. John said.

“They’ll just get euthanized … We try to give them a new, loving home,” St. John said. 

St. John and her husband, Aaron, are co-directors of the Ellicott City-based Humane League of Maryland, and they have built a network of support, finding people to adopt former lab animals and foster pets whose owners are temporarily unable to care for them.

They do outreach and education programs, transport animals, find homes for animals—and they’re trying to expand their operation.

This Sunday, the Humane League is hosting a Walk for Animals fundraiser to help raise money to help bring animals and the people who love them together in Ellicott City.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. behind the “Ice House,”  at 8572 Frederick Road. The house's expansive yard runs along the river and has become something of a gathering spot for the neighborhood.

From there, the group will walk down Frederick Road, onto Main Street where, St. John said, local business owners have pledged to help out, leaving out water bowls and treats for the dogs.

The walk will continue part-way down the Trolley Trail before turning around and heading back to the Ice House, about 2.5 miles total. 

That’s when the party starts. Expect bands, vegan food (including catering by ) and beer (for those of age, of course), as well as raffles for gift cards to local businesses. 

In addition to the Humane League, Thankful Paws, Baltimore Bully Crew and the Baltimore Humane Society will be represented at the festival as well as other pet- and people-friendly vendors.

It’s not too late to register, but if you’re not up for the walk and still want to help, the Humane League is also accepting donations.