AUSTIN, Texas -- Hundreds of dog lovers paddled down Lady Bird Lake for the eighth year to support Austin Pets Alive! Sunday morning, but this year dogs were banned from the "Paddle for Puppies" event.
- Dogs banned from Paddle for Puppies
- Safety precaution due to toxic algae
- Event supports APA! Puppy Parvo ICU
The event raises money for the organization's Puppy Parvo ICU.
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It was a safety precaution because the City of Austin is still trying to figure out the cause of the lake's toxic blue-green algae bloom.
"I think most people understand that it is still fun even without your dog and it also goes to save puppies." -- Ellen Jefferson, Austin Pets Alive! executive director.
The algae are the likely cause of death for several dogs who got sick after visiting the lake recently. This year, the organizers had to call all the participants to make sure they were aware of the issue.
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Turnout for the event was still high with more than 400 people registered and about $25,000 was raised.
"This is the main fundraiser of the year and so, it saves a lot of puppies. Each puppy costs us between $250 and $100," said Jefferson.
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