The Michigan Humane Society's 7th annual Mega March for Animals set a new fundraising record

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Hundreds of dogs swarmed – not one – but two places for the 2012 Mega March for Animals on Sunday October 7.  And organizers estimate the Michigan Humane Society fundraiser set a new record.

“Numbers are still coming in, but we are projecting $370,000.00 right now, which would be the largest Mega march yet!” reported Kevin Hatman, a spokesperson for the Michigan Humane Society.

For the first time in the event's 7 year run, it was expanded to two locations: Hart Plaza and -- the new location – Kensington Metro Park.

The Michigan Humane Society estimates there were about 7,000 walkers participating.

Many of them brought a dog…or two… or three. 

“This is Mick, Bonita, and Malina,” said Rick Murray of Birmingham, proudly pointing to his three Chihuahuas he brings every year tucked inside his jacket.  He even has sunglasses for them.

There were even a few cats in wheeled-carriers.

WXYZ-7 Action News was a proud Media Partner for the 7 ^th Annual Mega March.  Our Channel 7 walking team was about 30 strong, and we enjoyed raising money through newsroom bake sales and fresh corn giveaways.

The funds donated help homeless and neglected animals in the area.

"All of the money that we raise here at the Mega March supports all of our programs - our adoption programs, how it makes it possible to treat sick and injured animals that come into our facilities,” explained Deborah MacDonald, a Michigan Humane Society Cruelty Investigator. 

“It keeps our cruelty and rescue teams on the road.  Without this, we're not able to do what we do every day."

MHS is a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization which receives no government funding and is not affiliated with any national humane organizations.

The Michigan Humane Society cares for more than 100,000 animals each year through several open-admission centers in metro Detroit.

If you’d like to make a donation or find out more information, click here.