Ann and Bill Crilly were not sure they would drive 150 miles from Wyocena, Wis., to attend Sunday’s 20th Annual Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Walk.

Since 1990, the couple has attended each of the 19 previous events, but the former Lombard residents considered the pros and cons before making the trip to Katherine Legge Park in Hinsdale this year, Ann Crilly said.

“Initially we weren’t quite sure (about attending), but are glad we did. It was exciting, and they made us feel a bit like celebrities,” she said.

The Crillys registered for the event and walked with their dog, Nattie, a Samoyed breed who has made the trip the past five years.

Throughout the years, two other Crilly dogs — Dusty and Tundra, both Samoyeds — have also walked in the event.

The couple adopted Dusty from the Hinsdale Humane Society in about 1985, which led to their involvement with the Pet Walk in 1990.

A number of dog cookies have been devoured and a many miles have been walked during the last 20 years at the Pet Walk by Crilly dogs, and each year gets a bit more nostalgic, Ann Crilly said.

“The first one in 1990, we went, we walked, then we went home. Now it is such a huge event, with a petting zoo, pony rides and contests,” Ann said. “What I like is I always see something new each time, and this year I saw a Labradoodle dog — it was beautiful.”

But the highlight of the event for the Crillys was not the walk itself, but getting a photograph taken of them with their pet by an old acquaintance, Carol Volenec.

“Every year Carol takes our photo with our dog, and this year she was waiting anxiously for us, and said she wondered if she would see us again,” Ann Crilly said.

Volenec, a La Grange resident who has volunteered to serve as a photographer for the event’s Photo Finish Line since the event began, said reconnecting with Ann and Bill Crilly was special.

“I have gotten to know them through their three dogs for all these years, and I was so glad to see them again,” Volenec said.

Society officials said the event was a success despite the recent economic downturn. The fundraiser likely will raise just a little less than the $50,000 goal.

“Early numbers are in showing approximately 7 to 8 percent down from last year,” said Pam Salomone, spokeswoman for the HHS. “We were down a bit in pledges, but that is not surprising given the economy.