The American Heart Association’s Brooklyn Heart Walk is pleased to announce that participants can now bring their friendly dogs to walk with them on Sunday, September 15 at MCU Park in Coney Island. This is the first time that a Brooklyn Heart Walk will welcome pets.
The announcement comes after recent studies have shown that having a pet, especially a dog, can help increase fitness levels, relieve stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and boost overall happiness.
“For many of us, pets are a part of the family. It’s no surprise that people who walk their dogs are more likely to get the recommended amount of physical activity than those who don’t. We’re excited to welcome friendly dogs to our family-friendly Brooklyn Heart Walk,” said Jennifer Labadie, Interim Executive Director, American Heart Association in New York City. “We can’t wait to see you ‘strut your mutt’ on Sunday, September 15.”
The Association has also teamed up with Waggytail Rescue, a NYC-based animal rescue charity dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming small breed dogs, to provide adoptable dogs for people interested in welcoming a new four-legged member into their home.
“It’s really exciting to bring Waggytail Rescue to the Brooklyn Heart Walk,” said Holly DeRito, founder of the animal rescue. “Heart Disease runs in my family and I see the impact it’s had on my loved ones. Bringing together my two passions of rescuing dogs and helping people with heart disease means the world to me. It’s great to see the benefits of the human-animal bond being recognized. I strongly believe that dogs help humans just as much as humans can help dogs.”
The Brooklyn Heart Walk at MCU Park in Coney Island is designed to engage the Brooklyn community in a fun-filled day that promotes heart health through physical activity, friendly competition, volunteerism and fundraising. For more information on the Brooklyn Heart or to register for the event visit www.brooklynheartwalk.org.
MCU Park, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, is located at 1904 Surf Avenue in Brooklyn. Day-of registration for the event begins at 11 am, with the walk starting at 12 pm. Canine companions must attend on a leash.