Fall Tails and Trails dog walk held in Syracuse

By Tim AshleyAssociate EditorSyracuse-Wawasee Trails held the fall version of the Tails and Trails dog walk Saturday, Oct. 27, in Syracuse. The five-mile walk around Syracuse Lake, a fundraiser for Syracuse-Wawasee Trails, began at the Syracuse Community Center.In addition to the walk, there were vendors, food, an auction and a dog costume contest. Dog rescue organizations present included American Greyhound, New Hope Pet Rescue and Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County.A winner of the costume contest was Hershey, a Shih Tzu mix up for adoption through One Dog at a Time Rescue based in Warsaw. Hershey was dressed up as a bumblebee and brought to the event by Sheila Guthrie. Hershey was not present when the winners were announced.For more information on adoption, go online to odtr.org.A second winner in the costume contest was Camo, a golden retriever brought by Tony and Kara Holley and dressed up as a lion. Camo received a basket full of toys and treats.Auction winners were Julie Schwalm, Heather Peyatt, Chris Egolf and Ausra Brooks. Gift baskets were provided by Mutual Bank, The Dog House, Syracuse-Wawasee Trails, The Underground Hound and Pedals & Paddles bike shop.Temperatures have been below normal much of October and with the threat of a rain shower, the weather likely caused a lower turnout than hoped for.This is an annual event and next year’s Tails and Trails will be held at about the same time, announced Megan McClellan, executive director of Syracuse-Wawasee Trails.