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 and will be held on May 11. Funds raised benefit day-to-day operations at 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, though Madison Police Department is still making progress on her case and the family hopes there will be an arrest sometime soon.

Brittany was an avid animal lover and advocate. Bringing comfort to Brittany’s parents, Kevin and Jean Zimmermann, are Brittany’s three beloved cats: Marvin, Felix, and Boo.

“We have chosen MAPS to keep Brittany’s memory alive because animals were such a huge part of her life,” said Jean. “She supported many shelters herself, so it made perfect sense for us to continue this.”

“As this event approaches every year, we are reminded of the tragic loss to our community and what the Zimmermann family lives with every day,” said MAPS Executive Director Karen Rau. “We hope our event and the gathering of so many caring individuals can bring joy to the family. Year after year this event feels more like a family reunion because many of the same people attend and plan their Mother’s Day weekend around this event.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the event starts at 9 a.m. New this year, attendees can also enjoy raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, and a bake sale.

“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.”

For more information or to register, visit www.pawsforbrittany.com. Registration forms must be received by April 23 to ensure an event T-shirt.