Families and their pooches set out on a three-mile walk, hosted by Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, Sunday afternoon to raise money for the United Way of Southwest Michigan.

The dog walk kicked off in the parking lot of Borgess-Lee near Farr Park, where walkers and their dogs could register and donate a minimum of $10 to participate. In an effort to raise funds for the community organization, Borgess’ United Way committee offered the event to families looking to get some fresh air and exercise without having to leave the family pet at home.

“It’s perfect,” Kris Yeager, of Niles, said. “It’s nice to come out on a fall day with the family and dogs.”

Yeager brought along his wife, two sons and their dog, Captain, who dressed up for the occasion with a clip-on tie.

Jim and Janice Ballentine, of Marcellus, also came out to walk their 8-year-old yellow lab, Lexy.

“We just happened to see it (the walk) in the paper and thought that Dowagiac was close enough, so why not?” Janice said.

Jim said the fun part was seeing Lexy get the chance to interact with other dogs.

“She gets excited, and it’s nice that she can come with us out somewhere,” Jim said.

St. Joseph resident Linda Doetsch, who works with United Way, said she was happy for the opportunity to work with Borgess employees.

“It’s great to let people know our goals are being achieved in the community,” Doetsch said, who brought along her 5-year-old pug, Deacon.

Tammy Yeager, Borgess-Lee United Way committee member, helped piece together the event and said the idea was to bring together families and their pets for a good cause.

“It’s one of many fundraisers we do for United Way,” Yeager said. “Our goal for the month of October is to reach $7,000.”