Cool and cloudy weather couldn’t keep hundreds of dogs, cats, guinea pigs and their families from Liberty Bay Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 22 for the annual PetsWALK!

The fundraising event for the Kitsap County Humane Society is sponsored by the Poulsbo Animal Clinic. All proceeds go toward the humane society which helps dogs, cats and other animals find their “furever” homes, in addition to offering spaying and neutering services.

The goal this year was to raise a total of $30,000 for the Kitsap Humane society, which was not only met, but surpassed.

“Including all of our day-of sales, registrations, donations, and participant fundraising, we ended up raising almost $40,000,” said Rachel Wilson, events and outreach coordinator for the Kitsap Humane Society.

“We are still tallying up the final numbers, but it looks like we raised about $39,200 altogether – thanks to the support of such a generous community,” Wilson said. In fact, the final total was a little north of $60,000.

The day kicked off at 9 a.m. with a 5k walk/run in which roughly 400 people and their pets, including the “Grand Marshal” for the event, Travis the Guinea Pig, participated in.

Afterward folks could enjoy over 40 vendors at the park, in addition to the games and contests also offered in the park for dogs and their families. Such as the canine spin on musical chairs, the “Stop and Sit” competition, a talent competition and and a costume contest.

The “Stop and Sit” competition came down to a tie between two very well trained dogs and a Labrador mutt called Jack took home the honor as winner of the costume contest, dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow. This was a particularly special moment as Jack is a representative of the Chasing Away K9 Cancer organization, having survived numerous battles with cancer himself.

For the cat lovers of the world, the event provided an opportunity to adopt and take home some furry friends of the feline variety.

“We had 6 kittens adopted at the event,” Wilson said.