Who Let The Dogs Out?

Keith Comfort and Molly cross the line first in the 5k portion of Stephen Memorial’s First Annual K-9 5K and Dog Walk.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – It was a week later than scheduled, but at least this time it was dry as runners and their human counterparts lined up to participate in Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter’s 1st Annual 5K and Dog Walk.

The purpose of the event is to help raise funds to keep the local animal shelter available to the animals and owners in need of it’s services.

The 5k and dog walk was a new fundraising event, replacing the Woofstock event of the past. This year runners, walkers and other participants gathered at Edmundson Park, versus the former location on the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds.

Fifty runners had preregistered to participate, but weather had delayed the race by a week. Approximately half a dozen participants, along with a few walkers, participated in the 5k with more enjoying the 1k dog walk.

Lindsey Sime, Executive Director at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, said that things weren’t as good as expected, but she pointed towards the rescheduled date. Sime said that many of those who had preregistered were unable to attend, but with them being preregistered those runners were still beneficial to the fundraising aspect of the day.

The Woofstock fun could still be had, as many of the past activities were held at the shelter after the race, including the ever popular radar run.

Low cost micro-chips were available to pet owners. SMAS sold the micro-chips and then provided a voucher to have the chip implanted. The twenty-five dollar cost is nearly half of what the normal cost would be. Mahaska Vet Clinic was helping SMAS with that project.

The shelter is looking for donations of good quality dry cat food. Also needed are big warm blankets and rugs for the upcoming winter.

For more information about Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, you can visit them on their website HERE.