SKANEATELES -- It was a day for the dogs as nearly 500 canines and their owners joined the day-long Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York's 11th Annual Pet Walk and Festival on the grounds of Austin Park Sunday afternoon.

Hilary Whitemore, event chairperson said the event began as a small fundraiser in Auburn.

"We started out with maybe 50 people that first year," Whitemore said. "Since then we have just kept growing every year. Four years ago we realized that we needed a bigger place so we came here so that we had a bigger facility and a place to go indoors as well in case of bad weather and Skaneateles is a part of the FLPSCA, I think it has been important to convey that as well, that they are covered by what we do. But it has just kept growing, we expect that we have about 500 people here today with their dogs. It has been amazing to see the amount of support we have received."

There have also been a few other changes over the past 11 years.

Whitemore said for the first few years, the gathering was held in September, before moving to the spring.

"The weather is much warmer and much nicer," Whitemore said. "I think it makes more people want to get out and their pets want to get out too. Winter is over the warm weather is here finally and this gives owners and their pets a chance to get out and enjoy it."

The day was about more than just enjoying the nice weather. The Pet Walk is also an important fundraiser for the FLSPCA.

Read the full report in Monday's edition of The Citizen.