Delps Park, Lehigh Township, really did go to the dogs Oct. 17 for the second annual K-9 Cash 5K run with a 1-mile pet walk that brought out dogs of every size and description. Of course, in addition to the dogs, 120 runners and walkers showed up to support the cause.

According to event coordinator Vicki Richards, this year was quite an increase over last year, when 65 participants came out.

“Runners like events that are professionally timed. It helps them keep track of times for other events or personal bests, whatever the reason may be. We use Pretzel City Sports,” Richards said.

The benefit event is run by the K-9 Kop Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Richards for the express purpose of helping fund K-9 units across the nation and educating the public on the important work they do. According to Richards, 90 percent of K-9 units are community funded. Although T-shirt sales, National Night Out donors and private donors contribute substantially to overall funding, this is the only large event held specifically to help K-9 Cash with equipment, training, certifications and other needs.

After completion of the 5K and pet walk, visitors were treated to a demonstration of Cash’s abilities. Officer Jonathan Roth, Cash’s handler, was assisted by another officer in a bite suit to show how Cash can respond to perpetrators.

Silver, a visitor from Bethlehem Police Department, demonstrated her ability as an arson dog to track down accelerants that may have been used to set fires.

This year’s event included several vendors as well as a food truck and a basket raffle. Richards also offered an incentive for early registration. In addition to a T-shirt and bandanna, early registrants got a raffle ticket for a 50-inch television.

In the upcoming years, Richards hopes to continue growing the event, not only to raise funds, but to educate people about the K-9 Kop Project.

“The runners prefer an early start, which is why we start 9 a.m., but next year we hope to start the pet run 11 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. and hold a demo in between to encourage people to stay later,” Richards said.

She also wants to add more vendors, include EMS and firefighters, bring in a variety of different agility demonstrations and more.

Above all, Richards would like to make the event something that appeals to many types of people.

“It’s so nice to be able to work on a project this close to home and where the community is so supportive,” Richards said.

Seems like Cash’s future needs are in good hands.