Contact: Tania Banak, University Relations Specialist
608/263-6716, banakt@vetmed.wisc.edu
Date issued: September 22, 2009
The UW School of Veterinary Medicines Companion Animal Club organizes the Dog Jog each year. Dogs and their owners run (or walk) the 2-mile fundraiser, which benefits homeless animals.
MADISON More than 400 dogs and owners went dog wild in a race to benefit homeless animals during the 26th annual Dog Jog on Sunday, September 20.
More than $25,000 was raised to benefit area humane organizations, said Dr. Linda Sullivan, an instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine who helps coordinate Dog Jog each year.
Top pledge collectors were the Nelson family (Dave, Patty, Alexa and Kylie), of Stoughton, Wis. with their three dogs, Rex, RJ and Hula. They raised more than $2,600 in pledges. The family has maintained the top pledge collector slot for many years.
In second place was Beth Viney, with her dog Tzar. They raised $1,225. Sally Probasco and her dog, Rosie, were third-place fundraisers for the event.
The Nelson family of Stoughton, Wis., with their dogs Rex, RJ and Hula, were the top pledge winners for Dog Jog 2009, sponsored by the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. The event raised more than $25,000 to benefit area humane organizations.
Dog Jog proceeds benefit humane organizations that participate in the veterinary schools Cooperative Shelter Spay/Neuter Program for shelter pets or that participate in other school activities that directly benefit sheltered animals.
This years beneficiaries included Angels Wish (Dane County), Country Animal Haven, Dane County Humane Society, Iowa County Humane Society, Humane Society of Jefferson County, Rock County Humane Society, Sauk County Humane Society, Washington County Humane Society, and Watertown Humane Society (Jefferson County).
The top pledge winner received a gift certificate for a photo session with Dramatic Paws Animal Photography. The top 20 pledge collectors received goody bags filled with dog treats and toys. Winners of each category received a medal.
The school is also grateful to the events supporters, including Culligan Total Water (provided bottled water to keep dogs and people hydrated during the race), John Urban (emcee), Isthmus/The Daily Page.com (donated ad space), Doggie Doo (dog dropping pick-up), Merial Ltd. (race bandanas), Royal Canin, and Full Compass (sound system).
Veterinary medical students in the Companion Animal Club, along with assistance from area humane organizations, organized the event itself.
The Nelson familys dogs dig into their basket of winnings following the 26th annual Dog Jog fundraiser on Sunday Sept. 20, 2009. The Nelson family collected the most pledges for the race, which is sponsored by the UW School of Veterinary Medicine to benefit homeless animals.
Out of approximately 400 participants, Kyle Gleason and his dog, Charlie, were the overall race winners. He was also first place in the mens category. First place woman was Erica Barkei with Hundi. First place girl was Claire Checovich and Bennet. First place boy was Adler Schmidt and Maybe. Winners of the costume contest were Jessica Huittl and Ben Head with their chihuahuas dressed as Dr. Doolittle and company.
Dog Jog is an annual 2-mile run/walk sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine to benefit homeless animals.
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Dog Jog Top Pledge Winners
1. The Nelson Family with Rex, RJ, and Hula
2. Beth Viney with Tzar
3. Sally Probasco with Rosie
Dog Jog Overall Race Winner
Kyle Gleason and Charlie
Dog Jog Mens Category Winners
1. Kyle Gleason and Charlie
2. Jeff Wood and Boog
3. Matt Polzin and Rocky
Dog Jog Womens Category Winners
1. Erica Barkei and Hundi
2. Pam Wittenwyler and Joey and Bingo
3. Viet-chi Rodriguez and Oscar
Dog Jog Boys Category Winners
1. Adler Schmidt and Maybe
2. Elias Lyman and Tuck
3. Ethan Baher and Stephanie
Dog Jog Girls Category Winners
1. Claire Checovich and Bennet
2. Sierra Serri-Sereno and Riley
3. Anna Gudjonsdottir and Konna
Dog Jog Costume Category Winners
1. Jessica Huittl and Ben Head with their chihuahuas as Dr. Doolittle and company
2. Breann Sommer with an Aussie and two dachshunds as party dogs
3. Kerstin Pires with Rock and Frankie as fish and lure
4. Janet Puschner with Oliver as Ripleys Believe it or Not.
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