CENTRE HALL — Pets Come First, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization committed to ensuring responsible animal shelter management at the former PSPCA Centre Hall Shelter, held its ninth annual Dog Jog 5K Run/Walk on April 29 at the Grange Fairgrounds.
This fundraiser allows participating runners to take their dogs on the run, too. There also is a 1.5K walking option for those — dogs or people — who are a bit smaller, older or slower.
According to Dog Jog organizer Deb Warner, about 111 participants were registered to run, with or without their dogs. At 10 a.m., after all were registered, runners lined up on the pavement on the Grange Fair midway, and, on Warner’s signal, were off. The 5K course made a loop around the fairgrounds, returning to the finish line near the exhibit buildings.
The first runners across the finish line were Norb Baier and his dog Sophie. The first female human across the line was Vanessa Snyder, with her dog Maggie.
One at a time, or in small groups, others followed, with the human runners often looking more exhausted than their dogs. Both pets and people helped themselves to water and snacks after the run, and a few canines took cooling dips in water-filled wading pools.
While the humans and dogs ran the race on two or four legs, one canine participant ran the course on just three. Corky, a border collie/pit bull mix, owned by Justin Whitmer, of State College, easily ran the course minus his right front leg.
“He was born with a genetic deformity,” said Whitmer. “The vet said amputation was our best option.” Whitmer was accompanied by Rose Schuster and Sam, her white pit bull.
In addition to the running events, an exhibit building was filled with displays by animal-focused organizations and businesses, including several animal rescue groups. Many vendors of pet foods and pet-related merchandise were present, and a silent auction of items donated by these local businesses was conducted as an additional fundraiser.
Making its first appearance in the Dog Jog vendor area was MyLee’s Pet Outlet, from Winburne. Owners Melinda and Damon Simcisko showed a large line of dog toys, leashes, bowls, dog treats and just about anything a dog owner might need. Damon Simcisko said they named their business after their dog, MyLee, who was also present, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the event.
Warner said that since taking over the Centre Hall shelter, Pets Come First has tripled its pet adoption rate and reduced the euthanasia rate to zero, making it a no-kill shelter.
For more information, call (814) 364-1725, or visit www.petscomefirst.net.
