For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – Marshfield Area Pet Shelter’s (MAPS) annual “Paws for Brittany” has gone virtual.

The event, in memory of animal lover Brittany Zimmermann, normally takes place on Mother’s Day weekend. Due to COVID-19, the fun run/dog walk event was cancelled, but those looking to participate can still do so social-distance style.

“We encourage everyone to do a virtual walk in honor of Brittany, and we are giving participants the option of selecting a one-of-a-kind event t-shirt plus the opportunity to include a personal message for Brittany’s parents that will be shared with them,” said Karen Rau, MAPS executive director. “The special part of this walk for Brittany’s family and friends is talking about Brittany and remembering her. Sharing your personal message with her family and wearing this year’s special event t-shirt will bring us all together on a year we couldn’t physically be together.”

MAPS custom-designed t-shirts are available at http://premierprintinginc.com/product-category/paws-for-brittany. Proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go to support day-to-day operations at MAPS.

Participants are encouraged to order and wear their t-shirt and run or walk in Brittany’s memory this month then share their pictures and videos on the Paws for Brittany Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pawsforbrittany.

“We can’t gather together in person to celebrate Brittany’s life this year, but we wanted to provide everyone with an opportunity to do so while safely social distancing,” Rau added.

Brittany was killed on April 2, 2008, in her downtown Madison apartment. A Marshfield native, Brittany was a 21 year-old UW-Madison student majoring in Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

Earlier this year, David A. Kahl, 53, was charged in Brittany’s death.

Brittany was an avid animal lover and advocate.

MAPS is expected to move into their new facility on Downwind Drive later next month. The community cat room at the shelter is dedicated to Brittany.

Visit www.pawsforbrittany.com for more information.