Brown County Humane Society hosts dog walk with expanded activities
Brown County Humane Society volunteers gather with Willow during the Dog Walk fundraiser. From left: Mark Madson, Steve Weiland, Becky Steeves, Jill Tostenrood, Stacy Toltzman, Ashley Boyum, Gretchen Deopere, and Nikie Groebner.
Jamie Wenniger and her brother, Troy Wenniger, walk Morgan, a blind husky, and Brea, a German shepherd, during the Brown County Humane Society dog walk fundraiser in New Ulm.
Penny Purtzer of New Ulm poses with Tulip, her 6-year-old three-legged red heeler, looking glamorous at the Humane society’s photo booth Saturday. Purtzer adopted Tulip during the pandemic, when she was one.
Face painter Nicole Norcutt adds feline flair to her granddaughter Penelope Thrun while Hopper, her Shiba Inu, relaxes nearby during the Brown County Humane Society Dog Walk fundraiser.
Brown County Humane Society volunteers gather with Willow during the Dog Walk fundraiser. From left: Mark Madson, Steve Weiland, Becky Steeves, Jill Tostenrood, Stacy Toltzman, Ashley Boyum, Gretchen Deopere, and Nikie Groebner.
Jamie Wenniger and her brother, Troy Wenniger, walk Morgan, a blind husky, and Brea, a German shepherd, during the Brown County Humane Society dog walk fundraiser in New Ulm.
Penny Purtzer of New Ulm poses with Tulip, her 6-year-old three-legged red heeler, looking glamorous at the Humane society’s photo booth Saturday. Purtzer adopted Tulip during the pandemic, when she was one.
Face painter Nicole Norcutt adds feline flair to her granddaughter Penelope Thrun while Hopper, her Shiba Inu, relaxes nearby during the Brown County Humane Society Dog Walk fundraiser.
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NEW ULM -- The Brown County Humane Society held its annual dog walk fundraiser Saturday, reintroducing food service and expanding activities for attendees.
Participants gathered at 1301 South Valley Street and chose between one- and two-mile walking routes along Valley Street and the bike path. The event included a pet photo booth, face painting, and food and beverage service. All stations were staffed by volunteers.
Nicole Norcutt, a volunteer since 2013, provided face painting and manages social media and graphic design for the organization. Volunteers also assisted with setup, registration and cleanup. Food offerings included walking tacos, popcorn and beverages.
"We haven't had food for 11 years," said Jill Tostenrood, a longtime volunteer and former board officer. "We used to do it and then they stopped, and now we're putting it back in there."
Penny Purtzer, a former president, participated in the walk with her three-legged dog, Tulip. She recalled the organization's early operations, when animals were housed in her grandfather's barn prior to the construction of a permanent facility.
"What would we do without the Brown County Humane Society?" Purtzer said.
Sponsors included Pups Playland, Riverside Animal Hospital, Printwear Graphics, Pampered Pets, Thrivent and others. Sponsor contributions helped cover event costs and supported fundraising efforts.
The Brown County Humane Society serves all of Brown County and operates under a no-time-limit policy for adoptable animals. Teresa Grams is the current president. Volunteers assist with animal care, fundraising and facility maintenance. Cat care shifts are available with flexible scheduling.
The organization's next scheduled fundraiser is the Wine, Beer and Food Tasting event on Nov. 13 at the Best Western Plus in New Ulm. The event typically includes beverage sampling, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment and a silent auction.
The Brown County Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible. Volunteer support is accepted throughout the year.