Panting Four Paws Festival

Our Story

Helping Paws is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Our small, committed staff and dedicated volunteers handle and care for more than 800 animals annually. Each animal that comes into our shelter is treated with respect, kindness and compassion. We believe that for each of our animals…”Second Chances Start Here.”

We started our Phase 1 of renovations on February 2023. Once completed we are hoping to continue with Phase 2. We need donations to help continue our dream of giving our animals an even better place to be while they are in our care at Helping Paws, until we find their forever homes.

A rendering of what our new facility will look like when completed:

Watch our renovations here!

Helping Paws is pleased to announce our Panting Four Paws Run/Walk!

Join us after the race for post-race food and refreshments.

Pre Race Day Packet Pick Up will be held on Friday, October 6 from 3PM - 6:30PM at:

The Running Depot

30 N. Williams Street

Crystal Lake

Race Day Registration and Packet Pick Up will open at 7:00 AM at Lippold Park, Crystal Lake.

5K & 10K Race starts at 8:30 AM.

1 Mile Walk starts at 8:45 AM

Must be registered 9/15/23 to be guaranteed shirt/size

Award Ceremony will be held after the last person crosses the finish line! (Approximately 9:45 AM)

5K & 10K Awards:

One Overall Male/Female

Age groups (1st, 2nd & 3rd Place)

14 & under

15 - 19

20 - 24

25 - 29

30 - 34

35 - 39

40 - 44

45 - 49

50 - 54

55 - 59

60 - 64

65 - 69

70 & over

All 1 Mile finishers will receive a bandana for their dog!

Race will start and finish by the playground at Lippold Park. 5K is one time around; 10K is two times around; 1 Mile is out and back

Watch some amazing clips here!