Paws for Brittany Pet Shelter Benefit Returns May 13

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Paws for Brittany is a fun run and dog walk in memory of animal lover Brittany Zimmermann. The walk/run starts and finishes in Wildwood Park in Marshfield and will be held on May 13. Funds raised benefit day-to-day operations at Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS). (Related: Pet Photo Booth to benefit Paws for Brittany being held April 11. All people and pets welcome!)

Marshfield native Brittany Zimmermann was attending UW-Madison when she was attacked and murdered on April 2, 2008. Twelve years after the crime in 2020, an arrest was made, and in October 2022, her murderer was sentenced to life in prison.

Brittany’s parents, Kevin and Jean Zimmermann, are relieved to finally have closure for their daughter’s horrific murder. “We truly have so much to celebrate this year. We finally have the person behind bars for the rest of his miserable life for taking Brittany from us,” said Jean.

“As this event approaches every year, we are reminded of the tragic loss to our community and the Zimmermann family,” said MAPS Executive Director Karen Rau. “We hope many individuals participate this year to show support and solidarity that Brittany’s murderer is finally behind bars. The family has waited fourteen long years for this.”

Registration at Wildwood Park begins at 8 a.m. on May 13, and the event starts at 9 a.m.

Online registration is available at www.pawsforbrittany.com. Registration is $30/person age 13 and above. Fees increase to $35/person after April 24. No fee is required for children 12 and under with paid registration.

“We are encouraging people to come out to support, first and foremost, MAPS, as we need this shelter to help all the animals who are abandoned and need care,” said Jean. “Secondly, to remember a girl who had a passion for animals and was taken from us far too soon.”

Visit www.pawsforbrittany.com for more information and online registration.

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