Stephen Memorial K-9 5K Helps Shelter Meet Operation Costs

Participants take off for the SMAS 5K on Saturday at Lake Keomah.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – With a new location this year, the 6th annual Stephen Memorial K-9 5K got running at 10 am Saturday morning with approximately 40 participants gathering at Lake Keomah.

The funds raised from the 5K help the shelter meet its operational costs for the year and is the non-profit’s second largest fundraiser behind caramel apple sales at Valentine’s Day.

Connie Rodgers, who is with Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, said that the weather was great and “it’s a beautiful spot” for the 5K. “Next year we will be hosting it at our new animal shelter.”

After some turmoil in the leadership area at the shelter, Rodgers says, “we are getting our sea legs under us, and things are improving every day.”

“We are so excited about the new shelter. We’re turning over a new leaf, and things are looking up,” added Rodgers.

“I think the important thing for the public to know is that no matter what happens from this point on, that there are needy animals at the shelter,” said Rodgers. “The animals still need us.”

The 5K replaced the ‘Woofstock’ event six years ago, but one of the favorite activities from that event remains in the radar run. Mahaska County Sheriff Russ Van Renterghem was on hand with a radar unit to see who had the fastest dog around.