People and pooches run for Pet Trust
On the cold Sunday morning of March 12, members of Omega Tau Sigma (OTS) were joined by human and canine friends alike for the professional veterinary fraternity’s seventh annual Dog Jog.
Approximately 140 participants braved a lost hour of sleep and temperatures dipping below -15 to walk or jog the respective two- and five-km trails that facilitate the non-competitive event in the University of Guelph’s Arboretum.
Co-founded in 2011 by Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) graduates Rebecca Sterns and Steve Patten, the OTS Dog Jog has since raised over $30,000 for the college’s Pet Trust, not including the $11,000 and counting from this Sunday alone.
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As Canada’s “first charitable fund entirely dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of companion animals,” OVC’s Pet Trust dedicates its funding to education, research, and health care initiatives surrounding veterinary medicine.
As with previous events, this year’s Dog Jog was designed to be a fun and “pawsitive” experience for all involved. Participants were asked to raise a minimum of $20 in donations and were thanked with complimentary refreshments and fun prizes such as Most Senior Pooch and Biggest Furry Family. A nail trim booth and raffle featuring a vast array of donated prizes were also available for a small donation.
Following the jog, dogs ranging in breed from Shih Tzu to Saint Bernard stood with tails wagging happily as prizes were awarded and closing remarks were made. Shivering yet smiling, folks of all ages mingled about, many holding hot beverages to warm their fingers as they chatted about the experience.
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It was Angela Tiessen’s first time at the event and she’ll definitely be returning next year.
“It was a great way to get some exercise, cuddle with adorable dogs, and raise money for a fantastic cause,” shared the phase one OVC student.
These sentiments were echoed by phase two student Kevin Barbosa, whose lack of a canine companion couldn’t stop him from supporting his classmates.
Not only did the event provide an opportunity to get out of the house and beat the winter blues, said Barbosa, but it also affects him directly as a future veterinarian.
“The Pet Trust is constantly involved in enhancing research, innovation, and quality of veterinary care in OVC and throughout the world,” he explained.
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Guelph Canine Association executive member Emma Lamoure brought along five-year-old Tucker, a three-legged Retriever who joined her for her second Dog Jog event.
“We had an absolute blast! Tucker loved walking with all the other dogs [and] we hope to do it [again] in the years to come,” said Lamoure.
Suffice it to say, this year’s event was once more a doggone success.
Photo by Dana Bellamy/The Ontarion.