Dogs had their day on April 18, when Elmhurst U. students in the Pre-Veterinary Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) hosted a Canine Care Walk on the University mall.

The one-mile walk, which brought together students, the Elmhurst community and an assortment of canine companions, raised funds for Citizen Canine Dog Rescue in La Grange, Illinois, and shined a spotlight on animal welfare.

Family-friendly activities along the walk route included arts and crafts, face painting, a dog photo booth and a take-home plush animal station. Local rescues and vendors were also on hand to provide information, sell pet-themed products and even introduce adoptable animals.

The PAWS club focuses on bringing awareness to and encouraging advocacy for animal-related topics, animal welfare and philanthropy, as well as providing professional opportunities and development to pre-veterinary students on campus. The club works with local shelters and individual advocates by holding supply drives, making ornaments, creating dog toys from recycled clothing, hosting study sessions with therapy dogs and more.

“The event was a massive success, with more than 50 attendees and many cute dogs,” said Yadira Cervantes ’28, a biology major who is president of the PAWS club. “It was amazing to see how many people came with their families to support our event and promote animal welfare.”