Contact: Tania Banak, University Relations Specialist
608/263-6716, banakt@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu
Date issued: September 16, 2008

NOTE: To view photos from the event, visit www.DramaticPawsPhoto.com (click on “events” and select Dog Jog--50% of all proceeds from Dog Jog photo sales will benefit Dog Jog). Photos will be available through 12/31/08.

Volunteers from the UW School of Veterinary Medicine’s Companion Animal Club organize the Dog Jog each year.

MADISON – Despite chilly temperatures and drizzle, hundreds of dog owners raced to benefit homeless animals during the 25th annual Dog Jog on Sunday, September 14.

“More than $29,000 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 $2,000 in pledges.

“We really believe in this,” they said. They have been top pledge collectors for the event for many years.

They’re off! Dog owners race in the 25th annual Dog Jog to raise funds for area humane organizations. PHOTO CREDIT: Dramatic Paws Animal Photography

In second place was Beth Viney, with her dogs Tzar, Osa and Tundra. Topf Wells and his dog, Rosie, were third-place fundraisers for the event.

Dog Jog proceeds benefit humane organizations that participate in the veterinary school’s Cooperative Shelter Spay/Neuter Program for shelter pets or that participate in other school activities that directly benefit sheltered animals. This year’s beneficiaries included Angel’s Wish (Dane County), Country Animal Haven, Dane County Humane Society, Iowa County Humane Society, Humane Society of Jefferson County, 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. Culligan Total Water provided bottled water to keep dogs (and people) hydrated after the race. John Urban served as emcee.

The Nelson Family of Stoughton, Wis., with their dogs Rex, RJ and Hula, were the top pledge winners for Dog Jog 2008, sponsored by the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. The event raised more than $29,000 to benefit area humane organizations. PHOTO CREDIT: Dramatic Paws Animal Photography

Knupp & Watson Advertising designed the poster and handled publicity, including placement of public service announcements with area television and radio stations. Haggar Audio helped with the TV spots, and Isthmus and The Onion donated ad space.

Merial Ltd. helped support the event financially. And veterinary medical students in the Companion Animal Club, along with assistance from area humane organizations, organized the event itself.

Out of approximately 800 participants, John Noll and his dog, Blue, were the overall race winners. He was also first place in the men’s category. First place woman was Meghan Krueger with Bella. First place girl was Elena Thompson and Nellie. First place boy was Grant McAndrew and Alex. Winner of the costume contest was Ruthanne Nelson with her dogs Mack and Ruby, dressed as the big, bad wolf and little piglets.

Dog Jog is an annual 2-mile run/walk sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine to benefit homeless animals.

Dog Jog Top Pledge Winners
1. The Nelson Family with Rex, RJ, and Hula
2. Beth Viney with Tzar, Osa, and Tundra
3. Topf Wells with Rosie

Dog Jog Overall Race Winner
John Noll with Blue

Dog Jog Men’s Category Winners
1. John Noll and Charlie
2. Kevin Dodds and Emmett
3. Paul Miner and Sadie

Dog Jog Women’s Category Winners
1. Meghan Krueger and Bella
2. Kaitlin Tierney and Leo
3. Kim Virden and Karma

Dog Jog Boys Category Winners
1. Grant McAndrew and Alex
2. William Brown and Flower
3. Ethan Baher and Stephanie

Dog Jog Girls Category Winners
1. Elena Thompson and Nellie
2. Anna Gudjonsdottir and Cona
3. Emma Segura and Bridget

Dog Jog Costume Category Winners
1. Ruthanne Nelson and Mack and Ruby as the wolf and three pigs
2. Ryan Knier, beekeeper
3. Robert and Leslie Wendy and Johnny Victor with Damsa and Babe as pirates.