For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — In memory of Brittany Zimmermann of Marshfield, who was killed in her Madison apartment nine years ago, the fourth annual Paws for Brittany run and walk was held May 13 at Wildwood Park & Zoo. Zimmermann’s mother, Jean, was back again this year for the event.

“It went very well,” Jean stated. “My expectation, my hope was 200 (participants), and we did 213, so I am overjoyed.”

This year’s event raised $9,000 for the Marshfield Area Pet Shelter.

“The community coming together for our family and for the shelter means a ton,” Jean said. “I am so happy that we can support them in some type of way other than making a donation. I always make a donation, either on Brittany’s birthday or the anniversary of her death to the pet shelter, and it is so nice for the community to do this as well.

“These days are hard for us, honestly. I love it, but I have increased anxiety coming up to this because Brittany is not here, and that is a really, really hard thing to go through every day without her. It’s been nine years, and I can’t believe it. I can’t believe she has been gone for nine years already.”