A little rain didn’t keep hundreds of dogs from pouring into Shirlington’s streets. On May 6, a Walk for the Animals fundraiser hosted by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) drew visitors from across the region for Arlington’s largest animal meet and greet.

According to Chelsea Lindsey, communications specialist for the AWLA, the annual fundraiser has been held for over 20 years. This year, $2,000 was being raised especially for a surgery for a beagle in the shelter. Albert, a 6-year-old beagle rescued from West Virginia, has a hernia pushing his intestines into a lower area of his body. Albert requires a surgery to push them back up into place, or Lindsey says he could start to encounter great pain and could even be euthanized.

The goal of the fundraiser was set at $82,000, and by the night before the event the shelter had already reached $68,000. According to Lindsey, the funds raised also go to help fund food and medical care for the 3,000 animals in the AWLA’s care each year. The AWLA spays and neuters their animals and offers a reduced rate, under $200, for Arlingtonians who earn under $60,000. Lindsey said these procedures are one of the larger cost-drivers at the shelter.

It was Lindsey’s second year helping to host the event, and she said that she was impressed with the turnout in spite of the weather.

“It’s gross and cloudy, but it’s so fun,” said Lindsey, “So many people came out today to support our animals.”