By Rebecca Bratek:
It’s that time of year again, so grab the leash, grab Fido, and head over to LaSalle Park this Sunday, July 10th, for the 5th annual Run for Rover.
Hosted by the Pet Emergency Fund (PEF), a non-profit organization started by the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society to assist pet owners in financial need care for their sick and injured pets, this event tries to raise money and awareness to what the society can do for the community.
“The organization has been around for over 10 years now and we’ve helped over 3,000 pets at this point and distributed out over $300,000 to local hospitals,” said Timm Otterson, president of PEF and founder of the Run for Rover. “A lot of people don’t even know that there’s this organization out there, so we figured it was a good way to have a party, to say thank you to people who are donors, and to raise some money and raise awareness.”
The event kicks off with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. this Sunday and the first 300 registrants will receive a Run for Rover tote bag.
The 5k run/walk begins at 10 a.m. and the 1-mile pet walk begins at 11 a.m. The entry fee is a minimum $20 donation to PEF and includes both races and all other activities.
Free activities will also be available to the whole family–a kid’s race begins at 12 p.m., the Medaille Veterinary Technician Club will host complimentary dog washing, Dog Days of Buffalo will provide free pet sitting, and local vet hospitals will even offer yoga lessons to all dogs.
Maryalice Demler, of Channel 2 News, will host the pet costume contest and there will be a “fancy feline” photo contest, so be creative for a chance to win many great prizes. Over 40 vendors will be on-site to provide refreshments and unique items and treats for pets and their owners.
For more information and registration forms, visit www.petemergencyfund.org or contact Timm Otterson at timmotterson@yahoo.com or call 884-5624. Registration forms are also available at all local veterinary hospitals and many local businesses and can be mailed to PEF or turned in on the day of the event.