The Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelter are gearing up for the 12th annual 5K and Walk fundraiser, which has a new name and new events to captivate animal lovers. The “Save a Stray 5K” takes place Saturday, Aug. 26 at L.L.Bean’s Discovery Park in Freeport.

Formerly Paws for a Cause, the Save a Stray 5K raises money for 3,500 animals cared for and rehomed each year at the two shelters, now one organization.

The event will feature the dog-friendly 5K and one-mile walk, that takes place around the L.L.Bean campus, as well as many new events. On Friday night, CHS/LCAS will be at Discovery Park with several puppies for the “Save a Stray Puppy Fray” (think puppy bowl), and throughout the weekend, Dock Dogs will be set up for demonstrations and audience participation in Moose Park.

Saturday’s festival, which follows the 5K, will also feature food trucks on site, police dog demonstrations with the Freeport and Bath K-9 units, search and rescue demonstrations, an Ask-a-Vet booth, animal communicator Judy Garbow, face-painting, a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic, and more (details online).

Registrants of Save a Stray are also encouraged to compete with their dogs for Best Kisser, Best Dressed, Best Tail-Wagger, Best Barker, and Best Pet/Owner Look-alike for prizes.

On Friday evening, L.L.Bean will host Craig Grossi and his rescue dog “Fred the Afghan,” a street dog from Sangin District in conflict-heavy Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Grossi was on tour as a marine in his most dangerous assignment ever, but despite the odds, the two formed an unshakeable bond that continues now in the U.S. He and Fred will share their story.

Save a Stray participants will earn rewards for raising money through personalized fundraising pages. Rewards include L.L.Bean gift certificates up to $100 in value, a CHS/LCAS tote bag, a car magnet with the words “The best things in life are furry,” and an LED leash extender for night-time walking and visibility. Registration for the Walk and/or 5K is $25 per person until the day of the event. Those who register by Aug. 10 are guaranteed to receive a commemorative 2017 Save a Stray T-shirt or racer-back tank.

Event registrations and donations to Save a Stray 5K and Festival benefit the 3,500+ stray and surrendered animals that receive medical care, food, surgery, vaccines, and comfort at Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelter.

Kate Griffith, director of Community Relations, Programs, and Special Events for the shelters is planning the event.

“This year's Save a Stray 5K is going to be the best yet,” said Griffith.  “Save a Stray is a great opportunity for the public to get out and enjoy a wonderful day in the beautiful L.L. Bean Commons.  You can run or walk the route with your dog, enjoy a fun day of activities, and at the same time support the Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelters,” she noted.

For those who are unable to attend Save a Stray on Aug. 26, the shelter has added the option to sign up as a virtual participant, so that shelter supporters can still support critters in need and fundraise on their behalf.

“No matter how you participate, we hope you’ll join us to save lives. That’s what this event does, it saves lives,” continued Griffith.

Key sponsors for this year’s event at the “Alpha Dog” level include Bath Savings, Maine Natural Gas, and the Times Record, with additional support from The Boulos Company, Camden National Bank, and Honey Stinger.

To sign up, donate, or get more details about the event, visit SaveAStray5K.org or call 449-1366.  Visitors may also register in person at the shelter’s administrative building, 190 Pleasant Street in Brunswick.