You’ve got your walkathons, marathons and bike-a-thons benefiting any number of causes but when was the last time you heard of a walkathon for canines? Well, maybe you should have a seat because, believe it or not, that’s just what will happen this Oct. 14 when dogs from around McHenry take to the street in a big way. Known as Paws For A Cause, the event will support the Centegra Gavers Breast Center in Crystal Lake and their Breast Care Fund.

While the cause is a good one, the event is also a great way to spend the day – not just for the dogs, but also for their owners/walkers.

“When is the last time you saw dogs take to the streets to stamp out breast cancer, or any other kind of cancer or disease,” said Al Domrase, the owner of Aldens Kennels in Ringwood. “This is really a great event and great time.”

Actually, for anyone who was in Spring Grove at about this time last year, this is probably the second time they’ve seen dogs making a difference for their best friends – dog lovers and those with cancer. It’s also the second time that Aldens has been a corporate sponsor of the event.

More than merely contributing to Paws For A Cause on a corporate level, the folks, and the dogs, at Aldens are making a more personal contribution. Just as he did last year, Bambi, Aldens celebrity K9, will lead a team of dogs from Aldens, as well as dogs taking training lessons at Aldens pet school, in the walkathon.

“Bambi is a little dog,” said Domrase. “A walk like this for a large dog is about four times as far for Bambi considering his little legs. But, boy, he sure had a good time with it last year.”

Check in for walkers in the event, starting from Horse Fair Park in Spring Grove, is at noon. The actual walking starts at 12:45 p.m. Until 4 p.m., walkers and other supporters are invited to enjoy light refreshments and games while visiting with the event’s sponsors at the park. They even offer a chance to win a raffle item from their raffle table.

For those who don’t have dogs, they can contribute by sponsoring individual dogs with pledges for walking.

Last year, the event raised $3,000 for the Gavers Breast Center. This year, they’re hoping to raise even more.

For more information, visit: www.pawsforacausewalk.org. You can also learn more, or join and/or sponsor the Aldens team, by calling 815-728-0559 or visiting http://www.aldenskennels.com.