For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — 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. Funds raised benefit Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS).

Marshfield native Brittany Zimmermann was attending UW-Madison when she was attacked and murdered on April 2, 2008. The crime remains unsolved.

Not knowing the details of what happened to their daughter, or who is responsible, makes dealing with the loss of Brittany that much more difficult for her parents, Kevin and Jean Zimmermann of Marshfield, who take some comfort in caring for Brittany’s three beloved cats: Marvin, Felix, and Boo. Brittany’s love for animals led her to rescue two of her three cats, which are now treasured by her parents.

Jean Zimmermann thanks guests for coming at last year’s Paws for Brittany event.

“Her love of animals was overwhelming to us. Her cats were such a huge part of her life,” said Jean Zimmermann. “Kevin and I would like to express our gratitude to MAPS for allowing us to be part of something that Brittany would have been so passionate about. We are grateful for everyone who has come out to support MAPS for the last two years of the Paws for Brittany walk, and we hope even more people come and show their support this year.”

This family friendly event for all ages takes walkers around the upper pond and past buffalo, elk, wolves, and other wildlife. Pets and strollers are welcome.

Registration at Wildwood begins at 8 a.m. on May 7, and the event starts at 9 a.m. The cost to register is $25 for participants ages 13 above. No fee is required for children 12 and under with paid registration.

Registration forms must be received by April 22 to ensure an event T-shirt. Extra adult and child-sized T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event.

Visit pawsforbrittany.com for more information and online registration/printable registration forms.