Paws-toberfest (formerly Running with the Dogs) is an annual fundraiser hosted by Paws Giving Independence. This 4k run/3k walk is our biggest fundraiser. The year 2023 continues with the new options, including virtual walking or biking 5k/10k!

Costume contests, vendors, and more!

PGI places each of our dogs without cost to the recipient families. Your participation and donation to the event will help us achieve this ongoing goal.

Event Date/Location: October 7th at Junction City, Peoria IL

Registration starts @ 1:30 PM

Walk/Run begins @ 2:00 PM

Costume Contest - 3:30-4:00 PM with categories of:
Scariest
Funniest
Best TV or Movie Character
Judges Choice
Best Team (human and dog dress similarly)
Best Pack (team of dogs dressed in same theme or similarly)

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We will monitor CDC and local health guidelines related to COVID-19. Continue to check the health and safety protocols for more updates.

Health and Safety Protocols
We will continue to follow enhanced health and safety measures for participants, staff, volunteers and vendors. Please know that we will monitor CDC and local health guidelines related to COVID-19 and will make updates based on guidance from health authorities.

You must follow all posted instructions while attending at the event

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and attendees with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

The following will be in place:
Maintain a distance of 6+ feet from those outside your home cohort. Signage will be placed throughout as a reminder. Vendors may only have two customers in their booth space at any given time.
Hand sanitizing stations will be available.
If you are experiencing or have been in contact with someone who is experiencing the following symptoms or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, please do not attend in person. We'd love to have you join us online for the virtual component. This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
We will be monitoring attendance to ensure capacity allows for adherence to the distancing requirements.

In addition to protecting human attendees, we also want to keep our canine friends safe. Please follow the guidelines below:

Service animals may need to be around other people and animals while working. When possible, both the handler and the animal should stay at least 6 feet away from others. When possible, do not take a service animal or a puppy into settings in which people are infected with COVID-19 or facilities where you cannot prevent interactions with people who may have COVID-19. Clean and disinfect animal collars, vests, leashes or harnesses, and other supplies frequently.
Do not wipe or bathe service animals with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or any other products not approved for animal use. There is no evidence that the virus can spread to people from the skin, fur or hair of pets. Note: These protocols may change as conditions warrant.