Vet school sponsors annual Dog Jog

The School of Veterinary Medicine will sponsor the 22nd annual Dog Jog Benefit for Homeless Animals on Sunday, Sept. 18.

This year’s Dog Jog efforts includes a new online donation center, http://www.dogjog.org.

Hundreds of canine paws and wagging tails will join their owners in a 2-mile run/walk to raise money to benefit area humane organizations. Last year’s race raised $30,750, and organizers of the annual event hope to raise even more money this year.

Because of construction on campus, the route will be slightly altered this year. The Dog Jog will begin at 10 a.m. in parking lot 60, at the north end of Walnut Street on the west end of campus.

The theme of this year’s Dog Jog, “I am a dog person,” encourages dog people to give online, whether they can attend Dog Jog or not. The public is encouraged to sponsor a neighbor, friend or family member, or even contribute in the name of their pets. Participants can win prizes for having the most pledges, best costume and best finish times.

Proceeds benefit humane organizations that participate in the veterinary school’s Cooperative Shelter Spay/Neuter Program for sheltered pets or that participate in other school activities that directly benefit sheltered animals.

To register for the event, pick up forms at any Mounds Pet Food Warehouse or at the school’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital; visit http://www. dogjog.org or the school’s Web site; or call 263-1010.