One of my goals for this year was to spend more time volunteering my time and/or $$ for special causes.

&nbsp;

When my friend, Jim, asked me to join him for the <strong><a href="http://2011phoenixarthritiswalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=424342" target="_blank">Arthritis Foundation's Walk at the Zoo</a></strong>, I accepted.

&nbsp;

Normally, I am not a fan of zoos (or more specifically, wild animals held in captivity), but since this was about raising funds and awareness to help those who suffer from a debilitating disease, I cast my personal beliefs aside and walked.

&nbsp;

[gallery]

&nbsp;

Look closer:  Click any of the photos above once and then when isolated on a new page, click again to enlarge.

&nbsp;

Top left:  And we're off!

Top middle:  giraffe

Top right:  Zoo with a View

Bottom left:  bighorn sheep

Bottom middle:  meerkat manor

Bottom right:  the tortoise and the hare

&nbsp;

&nbsp;