Point Isabel Dog Owners announced that any cash stuffed in our donation jar at our Point Isabel park cleanup ( March 20) would go to recommended organizations working on the ground in Ukraine to help pets and other animals. All are helping pet owners on the run or have stayed behind, at great risk, to help animals – dogs, cats, horses, zoo animals, even a bear sanctuary – stranded in embattled Ukraine. PIDO promised to match what was collected, up to $500.

What happened over the next three days warmed our hearts. People stepped up big-time, from all over the Bay Area. More than $500 in cash was stuffed into PIDO’s donation jar at the park by people out walking their dogs. Little kids shyly offered wads of one-dollar bills. Senior citizens arrived with personal checks. Online donations poured in.

We have now distributed $6,500 to six organizations who desperately need support.

Point Isabel Dog Owners Association and Friends has been selected for the 2022 Best of Albany Award in the Organizations category by the Albany Award Program. Each year, the Albany Award Program identifies companies and organizations that it believes have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.

“On behalf of all PIDO members and dogs, and our friends, we graciously accept this award,” said PIDO’s Chief Barketing Officer.

The Brazen Victory Run half-marathon will go by Point Isabel twice on Saturday, 2/26 in the morning. (Walkers/hikers leave Richmond at 7:30. Half-marathon runners start at 8:00.) Be very cautious while driving and don’t let dogs chase runners. Expect event staff and traffic delays.

The route crosses the entrance to the Rydin Road parking lot, loops behind Mudpuppy’s on the Bay Trail extension, crosses Isabel Street near the rectangular parking lot, and continues on toward the radio tower and behind the water treatment plant. Participants then take the Bay Trail towards the Albany waterfront, head west to the end of Buchanan Street, go a very short distance out the dirt Neck Trail, and retrace their steps back to Richmond.