Unless it happens to be the Carver-Scott Humane Society's Walk to Unite Pets and People. Then, 2.5 miles is actually 79,200 feet. That's counting one two-legged walker accompanied by a four-footed walker.....or two!

They came in many varieties on May 18 to Chaska's Lions Park to raise funds for the Carver-Scott Humane Society by taking a Sunday walk around the park's trails. Armed with pledge forms, water bottles and plastic bags, 175 dedicated dog owners and their canine companions hit the road and earned $11,600 for CSHS.

The walkers came in all sizes from small children in strollers to seniors and the canine contingent ranged from Chihuahua to Newfoundland. The dogs wore their "Sunday best," too. From a pink tu-tu to stylish vinyl raingear to that canine style statement- the kerchief, they were decked out and ready to go. The celebrity watching was great, too, as Scout, the official CSHS mascot, gave high five's to everyone and an unusually friendly five-foot blue shark mingled with the crowd. Even the Carver County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit showed up to demonstrate the amazing nose of Jake, a narcotics detection K-9. CSHS President Bev Fiedler said she was delighted with the turnout and thanked everyone who braved a chill wind to walk for a good cause. "It is really heartwarming to see so many families with their well-loved dogs taking time and energy for animals who are not so fortunate," she said.

The event has been a major fundraiser for the organization since 2000 with the funds dedicated to medical care, food and adoption costs of animals in this foster-based program. Plans continue for the construction of a new shelter just south of Chaska, but for now, animals in need continue to be fostered and nurtured by volunteers.