Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital will go to the dogs Sunday when it sponsors a three-mile dog walk fundraiser for the United Way of Southwest Michigan.

The fundraiser, which invites walkers, their friends and their pooches to help support the community organization, kicks off at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, closest to Farr Park. While the minimum registration fee is $10, walkers can give more if they choose.

“This all funds the United Way and the great thing is that all the proceeds from the walk stay in Cass County,” Lavonne Pixley, Borgess accounting supervisor and United Way committee member, said. “It’s always good to know that the proceeds benefit the community.”

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m., and event volunteers will provide water dishes for dogs, as well as doggy treat bags.

“We’ll also have bags for walkers to take along because they are required to pick up after their dogs,” Pixley said.

Other requirements include walkers signing a release waiver that states their dog is physically fit and medically cleared, in terms of current shots, to participate in the walk. Walkers also have to be 18 years of age or older. Children are allowed to walk, but an adult must accompany them.

Pixley said owners will also be responsible for ensuring their dog fits the guidelines of the walk. All dogs must be on a six-foot maximum leash, and any female dogs in heat will not be allowed to participate. Dogs have to be on their best behavior, too.

“Any aggressive dogs that maybe get too excited around other people or dogs, we’ll just ask that the dog not participate,” Pixley said.

Any dogs may be deemed unruly by the event coordinator.

The route, while three miles, will also have turn-around points, Pixley said.

“If someone can’t walk the whole three miles, they can just turn around and head back,” Pixley said. “We want everyone to feel like they can participate in whatever way works best for them.”

Pixley said the route will leave from the hospital parking lot and continue down Main Street, throughout Riverside Cemetery on Riverside Drive then back toward the hospital on High Street.

For more information on the walk or to register, call (269) 783-3084 or (269) 783-3066.