Naples woman walking 60 miles to support animals in need

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Karen Paul and her dog, Penelope Grace. (WINK News)

How far would you go for a cause you’re passionate about?

On Friday, one Naples woman is starting a 60-mile trek to help animals in need.

“I wanted to do something for the animals,” said animal-lover Karen Paul. “Penelope Grace she’s my little three-year-old mini Aussie and our four-legged child right now.”

The 50-year-old Naples woman dedicated decades to rescuing and caring for animals in Southwest Florida.

“For as long as I can remember we’ve had pet raccoons bunnies cats,” she said. “They’re family to us.”

This is why Paul was heartbroken to learn about how Hurricane Dorian devastated the Humane Society of Grand Bahamas.

“They lost everything, not only the animals but the building, their vans, medicine equipment,” she said. “I just thought, ‘What can I do?'”

So, starting Friday, she’s strapping on her sunglasses and hitting the pavement.

“I’m gonna walk 60 miles and raise some money for the humane society,” said Paul.

Step-by-step, Paul will spend three days completing her 60-mile mission to raise awareness and funds for her cause.

“The funds go directly to the Kohn Foundation and they send them directly to the Bahamas. The founder has been in touch with me [and] she said for the amount I’ve raised so far, about $2,2000, that covers an X-ray machine that will cover several animals,” she said.

“She’s walking 60 miles, which I doubt I could make 10 miles,” said Paul’s neighbor, Mario Catoggio. “And the cause she’s doing it for is wonderful, to save the animals that have been in the storm, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Inspiring her Naples neighbors and others to take a stride toward making a difference.

“One person can make a difference and I hope that I can,” she said.

Rain or shine, you can catch Paul walking along the Island Walk subdivision off of Vanderbilt Beach Road Friday through Sunday.

If you would like to donate to the Kohn foundation and help assist the animals in need you can click here.

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