KatieZinna

For dog lovers and rescuers alike, the Nebraska Humane Society’s Margre Durham Walk & Dog Fest has become an annual celebration of hope and second chances. The Walk was held on Sept. 29, where many different dog rescues and animal organizations came together to raise awareness for dogs in need. The Walk started in 1989 with only 50 people (and their pets) in attendance and has since grown to have a couple thousand people join in on the walk each year.

The Walk & Dog Fest was started to raise money for the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) so that they, in turn, could make room for more dogs, provide life-saving surgeries for dogs in need and supply an ample amount of food and toy enrichment to all their animals. 

Not only does the walk help provide the Nebraska Humane Society with funds to keep their organization running, but it also brings in a bunch of people looking to adopt. NHS keeps its doors open throughout the duration of the event (and a little while after) in hopes that their furry friends will find their fur-ever home.

“I have unfortunately not gotten any pets from NHS, but I do have friends that have, and they have made the most PAWsitive impact on their lives.”

Gabriella Birkle ’25

Along with finding homes and raising money, the walk also helps inspire others to give back to their dog-loving community in the form of volunteers. 

The Nebraska Humane Society is always looking for hardworking, dedicated and animal-loving people to lend a helping hand towards their cause. 

Though volunteering is limited to those who are 19 and older, this event shows how anyone can get involved, whether they are donating, attending NHS events or supporting initiatives like Marian’s Paw Project. Senior Gabriella Birkel, one of the leaders of Paw Project, has a few ideas on how Marian girls can join the cause.

“We can continue to attend their events and invite others, as well. We can also fundraise and bring in donations for the pups at NHS” Birkel said. 

Paw Project was started last year as a way to encourage Marian girls to get involved with helping animals. Birkel started the club because she “wanted to be in a club for something that [she] was passionate about.” 

One of the goals of Paw Project is for Marian girls to help animals in any way they can. Through events like the Walk and Dog Fest and student-led initiatives like Paw Project, Marian girls are proving that small acts like doing fundraisers and attending NHS events can make a big difference for animals in need.