SKANEATELES - A year ago, Marla and Marty Connelly, of Auburn, were among the hundreds of people that attended the 12th annual Finger Lakes SPCA Pet Walk.

Marla said they had come for several years for one reason - their love of animals.

“I love dogs,” Marla said. “I can't take them all home with me and take care of them all, but this is something I can do to help them.”

Last year, the Connellys were in the unique position of being the Pet Walk's top fundraisers.

This helped them become co-chairs of this year's 13th annual Pet Walk.

“The people that had been running it, a lot of them have moved out of state,” Marla said. “We've been involved with this for a while and we were asked to help plan and organize things this year. Had I known last year that we would be doing this we would've paid more attention to what was going on behind the scenes. It has been challenging, but it has been great.”

More than 500 dogs and their owners descended on Skaneateles' Austin Park pavilion Sunday afternoon for a full day of pet-oriented activities.

Marla and Marty explained this has been a longtime fund-raiser for the SPCA.

Last year, $14,000 was raised and this year is on target to meet similar goals.

Participants are asked to secure pledges for the 1.1 mile walk around the village with the funds going to help animals who are taken into the shelter.

“It helps with everything,” Marla said. “Food, vet expenses, medications. A lot animals that come into the shelter come in in need of help and this goes towards that.”

From big St. Bernards to little Chihuahuas and everything in between, dog lovers from all over Skaneateles and the surrounding area made their way to the park to participate in the walk.

Macie Margretta and her daughter, Alandis, 9, of Port Byron, participated for the second year with their two dogs, a pug named Chubby and a Boston terrier named Nicki.

Margretta said they participated for two reasons.

“We had so much fun last year,” Margretta said. “We wanted to come back here again this year and see all the vendors and all the other dogs that are here. And it is for such a good cause, helping the SPCA; we wanted to be a part of that again this year.”

And the other reason?

“Chubby needs the exercise,” Alandis added.

Karen Staring and Joshua Dix, of Phoenix, and their two-year-old St. Bernard, Bailee did the walk for the firs time.

“Friends at work told me how much fun this was,” Staring said. “We thought it would be a good way to get her out and socialized with other dogs. I think it is great, a lot of fun.”

After parading through the village, owners and pets had a full afternoon of activities to keep them occupied.

Inside the Austin Park pavilion, there were vendors offering everything from collars and leashes to specially made dog treats as well as information on matters such as rescue shelters and their efforts in New York.

There were also several other fun events, including raffle drawings, Frisbee contests, a grand prix run and obstacle course and a costume contest.

Marla said the goal was to create a fun-filled day for pets and their owners. With a bit of work, that goal was met.

“We have a lot of great sponsors,” Marla said. “A lot of great volunteers, they all helped so much and made this possible. It has been challenging getting all of this together, but it has been great and I think it came together beautifully and we are already planning for next year.”