Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle On Oct. 8, hundreds of canines and their human companions descended upon Breck Community Park in the city of Grove City to participate in Ted Berry’s annual 5K-9 Walk/Run. Established in 2016, the popular fundraising event has amassed thousands for Speak! for the Unspoken, a local animal rescue organization that specializes in serving animals with special needs. According to Berry, more than 500 human participants and community partners and more than 300 canine participants helped raise over $13,000 in monetary donations and food and material goods for the rescue organization this year. Among the attendees who were making their first appearance at the 5K-9 Walk/Run were the Raleigh family of Grove City. Pictured here after finishing their 2.5-mile trek are (from left to right) Nakoma, Star, and Kati Raleigh. Kati said they all wanted to come out to this event to support a great cause while having “a bit of fun” with the family.Kemar Colvin and his energetic 8-month-old Bernedoodle Nico get ready to start their walk.Jason Barkeloo and his 7-year-old dachshund mix Murray celebrate as they collect their medals.Speak! for the Unspoken volunteer-in-training Samantha Garner tries to wrangle Trapper, his brother Hawkeye, and their friend Phoenix (pictured from left to right) for a group photo. All three Australian shepherds, who are either deaf/or partially deaf and blind/or have visual impairments, are available for adoption at the rescue organization. For more information on these three “extremely good boys” and other canines and cats who are looking for their forever homes, visit the rescue’s website at speakfortheunspoken.com.Bailey, 7, burns off a bit more energy by playing a game of throw and fetch in the large dog play area at the community park.Siblings Duke and Daisy proudly display their medals of 5K accomplishment.
