Doggy Dash Breaks Records as Community Rallies for LAWS
/By Scott Arnold
Rain couldn't keep supporters away as the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society celebrated its biggest Doggy Dash fundraiser yet.
the 2026 LAWS doggy dash raised record numbers for the lakefield welfare animal society (photo by scott arnold)
Umbrellas were up and rain showers came and went throughout the day, but spirits stayed high as hundreds of supporters gathered in Lakefield for the third annual LAWS Doggy Dash in support of the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS).
The popular fundraiser returned to Isabel Morris Park on Sunday, bringing together pet owners, animal lovers, volunteers, vendors, musicians and community supporters for a day dedicated to helping animals in need.
the 2026 laws doggy dash in lakefield on sunday was a huge success (photo by scott arnold)
The event featured live music from Caitlin O'Connor and Detention Club, food and market vendors, a silent auction, a 50-50 draw, and the signature Doggy Dash walk through the streets of Lakefield. Participants could choose between 1.5-kilometre and 2.5-kilometre routes.
Caitlin O'Connor and the Detention Club provided the music for the laws doggy dash at isabel morris park (photo by Scott Arnold)
According to LAWS Director Lyndsay Lisson-De Ell, this year's event was the biggest yet.
"This year is our top earning year out of all three years that we've done Doggy Dash," she said following the walk. "We don't have a final count yet, but we know that we've broken all records."
Lisson-De Ell said the success of the event speaks to the strong support LAWS receives from the community.
"Thank you to our community and supporters," she said.
Founded in 1993, LAWS is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that rescues homeless, abandoned and injured animals while working to find them permanent homes. The organization operates without government funding and relies on donations, memberships, adoption fees and community support to continue its work.
Barney is one of the many animals looking for his forever home at laws (photo by scott arnold)
Today, LAWS has space for approximately 50 cats and seven dogs at its shelter, while also supporting a large network of foster homes.
"We have upwards of 60 kittens and mama cats in our foster program as well," Lisson-De Ell said.
She noted that money raised through Doggy Dash goes directly back into programs and services that help animals throughout the region.
"The funds raised today go to support all of those incredible animals," she said. "It goes to our foster programming. It goes to our community food support. All of the initiatives that we run through the shelter and the care that we're able to provide comes from events like this."
sparky joined supporters sunday for the laws doggy dash through lakefield (photo by scott arnold)
For Lisson-De Ell, the day was about more than fundraising.
"It's so humbling," she said. "The overarching theme of the day is humility and gratitude. I'm just so grateful to every single person here today for their contribution."
While the event may be over, the work continues. LAWS has a rabies and microchip clinic planned for October and their 20th annual golf tournament is scheduled for September 20.
a good boy poses patiently for polina kotliar of rad caricatures (photo by scott arnold)
Before turning attention to those upcoming events, Lisson-De Ell said the focus will return to the animals that inspired the day in the first place.
"We're going to go back and probably spend some time with the animals and remember why we're doing what we're doing and share all of our gratitude with them."
all tuckered out after a big day at the laws doggy dash in lakefield (photo by scott arnold)
