By Quinn BenderHaida Gwaii ObserverThe SPCA's Paws for Cause fundraising walk proved once again the depth of loyalty islanders feel toward the welfare of their domestic friends.The annual event came just dollars short of its fundraising goal of $5,000 last weekend. After two walks held over the weekend in Queen Charlotte and Sandspit, the $4,840 raised fell just $160 short of the SPCA's goal."It was a great success," organizer Lisa Pineault says. "Everyone had a lot of fun and we had several people who had never tried it out before. It was a really nice group." In Queen Charlotte about 25 people turned out with 15 furry friends to make the short, circuitous walk from the Community Centre to Spirit Square. In Sandspit five people brought out eight dogs for the walk, raising what Ms. Pineault describes as an "amazing $840."Donations of local people through fundraising stars also brought in $526.This is the third consecutive year the walk was held in Sandspit, organized each time by 12-year old Meghan Ives."She's done an amazing job," Ms. Pineault says. "Even when we didn't have a walk in Queen Charlotte she took it upon herself to organize one in Sandspit. It's incredible-she's 12-years old! And this year she raised more than she ever has. For a community with only 200 people it's pretty astonishing for Meghan to come up with that kind of money."The total funds raised will be used to finance the foster care of stray animals in residential homes, in addition to spaying and neutering. The SPCA also uses the funds to sponsor a spay and neuter program that contributes $50 for the procedure to families in need of assistance.Although the organization is pleased with the sum raised this year, the $5,000 will make up only 10 per cent of the SPCA's annual budget. Ms. Pineault extends her gratitude toward everyone who took part in this year's event."I have to pass on a big thank you to everyone who participated, and all of those who donated. It's really well appreciated."More than 30 communities across B.C. participate in Paws for a Cause to raise awareness in the fight against animal cruelty. The SPCA's philosophy is to rescue and care for abused, injured and abandoned animals to prevent cruelty before it begins. The money raised in each community stays within that community.