Cooler weather today is welcomed by our four legged friends who are ready to go for a long walk.

It's the first annual Dog Days of Summer Dog Walk, hosted by Canine Aquafit and Veterinary Rehab Centre in Okotoks.

The dogs are wagging their tales in anticipation, as Deborah Spence from the Centre says they'll be collecting donations for two very important animal rescues in our community.

"There's two reasons behind it, one is to encourage people to get out and get some exercise with their dogs, and the other is that we're also accepting donations of cash and goods for Okotoks Pound Rescue and Heaven Can Wait Animal Foundation."

Spence says it's important for them to give back to the rescues, as many of the animals they treat come from a rescue society at some point.

She shares, it's important to connect with the community, but also to get your dogs outdoors and moving.

"A tired dog is a happy dog." Spence says "Exercise extends your pets life expectancy and keep them healthier, and it's also a great way to keep us healthy too, when we get out with our animals."

The dog walk will start at Canine Aquafit at 98 Elizabeth St. where they will be accepting donations of cash, dog or cat food, blankets, towels and kitty litter and Spence says it will move on from there.

"We're going to just gather everyone together here, then depart as a group and take an afternoon stroll along the Sheep River Valley pathways."

The walk starts at 1 pm, and will take about an hour with a doggie water pit stop planned for the halfway point.

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