Vet Med sponsors dog jog

Dogs and their owners can give homeless animals a new “leash” on life by participating in the School of Veterinary Medicine 19th annual Dog Jog, scheduled at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. The race begins in front of the School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive.

Sponsored by the Companion Animal Club, a veterinary student organization, this two-mile run/walk for dogs and their owners is a fund-raising benefit for homeless animals. It’s an opportunity for dog owners not only to get exercise for themselves and their canine companions, but to collect pledges from family and friends. Dog Jog participants collect pledges to benefit homeless animals.

Those who collect more than $50 in pledges receive a Dog Jog T-shirt and are eligible for prizes as their pledge total increases. For example, Three Dog Bakery has donated treats for the top five pledge collectors’ favorite dogs. All pre-registered canine participants receive a Dog Jog bandana.

Dog Jog proceeds are distributed to humane organizations that participate in the veterinary school’s Cooperative Shelter Spay/Neuter Program for shelter pets or that participate in other school activities that directly benefit sheltered animals. The scope of beneficiaries has expanded this year. “Our club members elected to widen their support to all humane organizations that partner with the School of Veterinary Medicine,” says Susan Hollman, president of the Companion Animal Club. The decision is in keeping with the club’s ambitious goal to promote stronger relationships between humane organizations, the veterinary school, and veterinary students, Hallman says.

Ten humane organizations participate in the school’s Cooperative Shelter Spay/Neuter Program for shelter animals. This program makes the animals more adoptable, reduces the number of strays, and provides practical surgical experience for veterinary students. Current participants in the school’s Cooperative Spay/Neuter Program include: Angel’s Wish (Dane County)m Beaver Dam Humane Society (Dodge County), Dane County Humane Society Fond du Lac Humane Society, Green County Humane Society, Humane Society of Jefferson County, Rock County Humane Society,, Sauk County Humane Society, Washington County Humane Society, Watertown Humane Society (Jefferson County).

Dog Jog sponsors include Three Dog Bakery, Triple M Radio, Copy Rite, Jefferson County Humane Society, Teacher’s Pet, Doggie Doo, and Culligan Total Water.