Suncoast Walkathon a paws-itive fundraiser

Bella, a 14-week-old puppy, seems excited about making new friends at the Suncoast Walkathon. "She's having a great time," says her owner, Palmetto's Robert Wildt."

Parrish's Laurel McDevitt, a puppy raiser, is raising her eighth dog, Eddie, for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Palmetto's Monique Marlow and Scout, the mascot for Southeastern Guide Dogs, are ready to walk around Nathan Benderson Park for the nonprofit's annual walk-a-thon. "It's so nice to see all these dogs," Marlow says. "Southeastern Guide Dogs has fabulous programs that do so much."

Lakewood Ranch's Nichole and Kara Danzig-Work participate in the Southeastern Guide Dogs Suncoast Walkathon for the first time. "It's for a good cause, and we wanted to socialize with the community and other dogs," Nichole Danzig-Work says.

Lakewood Ranch's McKenzie Hanlon says receiving her dog, CJ, from Southeastern Guide Dogs was life changing after she suffered from two strokes eight years ago that caused a an aneurysm that took her vision.

Country Club's Mollie and Marty Saia are first-time puppy raisers preparing Allie to start her training with Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Braden River VFW Post 12055 members Chuck Slenker, Ken Green, Graham Ellis and Dave Daily present the colors during the National Anthem.

Palmetto's Kirsi Hiebert, Sara McKinney, Deb Frost and Rej Wilson join 12 others in their neighborhood to support Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Sun City's Jamie Fuller says Carter was with Southeastern Guide Dogs before she underwent a career change. Now 5-year-old Carter visits a hospital once per week to meet with patients and staff.

St. Petersburg's Milagros Raheb and her dog, Zamboni, are ready for a good time at the Southeastern Guide Dogs' Suncoast Walkathon.

Baxter is excited to be at the Southeastern Guide Dog Suncoast Walkathon with his owner, Palmetto's Amy Elsbury. Elsbury hopes to volunteer for the nonprofit.

Parrish's Vicky Cox, Joe Cox and Betsy Walters and their dogs, Bubba, Sierra and Keni represent the different life stages of Southeastern Guide Dogs. Vicky Cox is with Bubba, who changed careers after serving with the nonprofit. Joe Cox is with Sierra, who is in training, and Walters is with Keni, an ambassador for the nonprofit.

Puppy raisers Maria Abelleira and Colleen Flaherty, of Parrish, love taking care of Blue, a 4-month-old dog, and Dispatch, a 15-month-old dog, before they go for training at Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Dispatch, a 15-month-old dog, is getting ready to go off for training at Southeastern Guide Dogs. His puppy raiser, Parrish's Colleen Flaherty, says it'll be a tear jerker to say goodbye, but "he is destined to do something great."

Alice chases after a remote controlled toy.

Dozens and their four-legged friends are at Nathan Benderson Park bright and early to support Southeastern Guide Dogs during the nonprofit's annual Suncoast Walkathon.

Palmetto neighbors come together to support Southeastern Guide Dogs. The nonprofit has its main campus in Palmetto.

Dozens of people and their four-legged friends begin the 3K walk.

Sarasota 5-year-old Mia Slates has fun with Scout, the Southeastern Guide Dogs' mascot, Sarasota 8-year-old Harper Krull and Sarasota 9-year-old Cali Slates before the Suncoast Walkathon begins.