Watauga Humane Society Holds Dog Jog, Pet Show Annual Events Raise Funds For Shelter Animals By Mike Shands Two upcoming events will give High Country animal lovers the perfect opportunity to help homeless pets. Kristen Williams helps her dog, Tippie, get his pawprint made during last year’s Dog Jog. Photo by Marie Freeman The Watauga Humane Society will hold its ninth annual Dog Jog and 9K 4 K9s Saturday, Oct. 22 along Boone’s Greenway Trail and its annual pet show at the Boone Mall Saturday, Nov. 5. All proceeds and donations from the events will benefit animals at the humane society’s shelter by paying for operating expenses. Last year’s Dog Jog raised more than $9,000 for the humane society. This year’s Dog Jog will include a 9K race for humans only and a 1-mile dog jog/walk for pets and humans. Both races will begin and end at the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Complex. Other features at the family event will be music, contests, activities and information booths. This year’s newest activity is a Fun-Gility course that includes obstacles and other items that help dogs adjust to things they might not be used to seeing. Some of those items might include Hula Hoops, tunnels, umbrellas, tarps, jumps and a table for dogs to sit on for a moment. “Exposing dogs to things like these helps them adjust to new environments and learn to work around them,” said Kathie Billing, a humane society board member and co-chairwoman of the event along with Bencita Moore. “This provides a safe environment for you and your dog to help build a better relationship.” Harley meets Isaac during last year’s Dog Jog. Photo by Marie Freeman Two of the returning favorite contests will be a costume contest similar to last year’s and an owner/dog look-a-like contest. The event will also feature treats for owners and dogs. “People have to experience the wonders of getting treats,” Billing said. “Do they realize why their dogs like them so much?” Those treats should help provide fuel for the two races. The 9K race begins at 8:30 a.m. while the 1-mile event starts at 11 a.m. The 9K race will take place on a combination of easy trails and pavement with one water station. The races, especially the one-mile event, are open to participants of all ability levels. The humane society will provide shelter dogs for those who don’t have dogs but want to participate in the Dog Jog with one. Those wishing to walk or jog a shelter dog during the event should call the shelter as soon as possible to request one. Cash prizes for the 9K race will include $100 apiece for the first-place male and female, $50 apiece for the second-place male and female and $25 apiece for the third-place male and female. Denise Grohs’ dog, Ginger, enjoys Solid Gold Dog food passed out by Bare Essentials at last year’s Dog Jog. Photo by Marie Freeman Prizes will also be awarded to first-, second- and third-place finishers in a wide variety of age groups. Pet owners should not bring dogs younger than 6 months of age. All dogs should be wearing current identification and rabies vaccination tags and should be kept on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times. Owners should also clean up after their dogs. The humane society will provide water for humans and dogs at the event. Entry fees are $20 for one human and one dog and $5 for each additional dog. Children 12-and-under can enter for $10 while college students can enter for $15. Entry forms are available at The Pet Place, Bare Essentials, the Watauga Humane Society shelter, The Wellness Center, Sage Sports, Watauga County Parks and Recreation and local veterinarians. Early packet pick-up and registration will be Friday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sage Sports in Boone Mall. On-site registration will be Oct. 22 from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. for the 9K race and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. for the 1-mile dog jog/walk. For more information about the Dog Jog call Moore at (828) 297-2774, Billing at (828) 262-0098 or the humane society’s shelter at (828) 264-7865. Pet Show The pet show will begin at 11 a.m. with pre-registration starting at 10:30 a.m. The will also be a doggie fashion show at 11 a.m. sponsored by the Barking Rock. Admission to the pet show is free, but donations to the humane society are welcome. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier and under control at all times. For more information about the pet show or the humane society call the shelter or look online at www.wataugahumanesociety.org. Those who can’t participate in either event but who want to donate to the humane society can do so by making checks payable to Watauga Humane Society and mailing them to P.O. Box 1835, Boone, N.C., 28607. Annual Meeting The humane society’s board of directors will hold its annual meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. All humane society members in good standing are invited to attend the meeting, which will be at the Appalachian Cultural Museum in Boone. For more information about the meeting call Judy Clarke at (828) 264-6875 or send an e-mail to judy@goboone.net.