Dog Days of Summer Virtual 5K

In literal terms, The “dog days of summer” refers to the hot, sultry days of summer. Historically, it is the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Greek and Roman astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. The Dog Days of Summer Virtual 5k symbolizes this period of heat and bad luck by urging people to get active with their dog (or volunteer and run with an adoptable!) during the summer in support of the high volume of intakes that occur during this time period. 

Why The Dog Days of Summer?

Did you know that summer is especially deadly for shelter dogs? Not because of the heat, but because of the sheer number of intakes at local shelters during this time of year. 

Ready to feel really sad? Shelters fill up because people leave for vacations and rather than securing proper boarding/care, they drop their dogs off at kill shelters - yes, this ACTUALLY happens ALL the time - knowing their dog could be put down if the shelter is full. Their vacation takes precedence!  Other reasons are because they get a new puppy and take their dog to a kill shelter, because they get a puppy and get tired of it and take it to a kill shelter...you get the picture.

What Can You do to Help?

That's a no-brainer - you can participate in our Dog Days of Summer Virtual 5k! 

Proceeds of the race will go to local area rescues who are especially hit hard during the summer to help offset the cost of supplies/medical care and ultimately, save lives.

Complete your 5k however you'd like! Run, walk, skip, hop, burpee - just get it done and have fun! The only requirement is that you complete your 5k with a furry friend any time during the official "dog days" - July 12 - August 20.

Don't have a dog? You can help even more by taking a dog from a local shelter with you to complete your 5K. Yes, most of them really let you do that! It’s great for the dogs because it gives them a break from loud, scary shelters and helps them build social skills. It’s great for people because well, dogs are awesome. 

You can even take it a step further and organize a fun run with shelter dogs in your community! Want more info on how to do that? That's what wellness for wags is all about. Contact us here: woof@wellnessforwags.org.

Help us help them.

Safety First!

The purpose of this 5k is to simply help with the influx of intakes rescues during the summer months and to give motivation to get active with with your dog (or an adoptable!) during the summer. Please be smart when choosing to complete this fun run.

A few things to keep in mind before exercising with a dog:

• Don't exercise pets during the hottest parts of the day. Stick to early mornings or later afternoon/evenings.
• Small dogs, dogs with short noses (pugs, frenchies, etc), and elderly dogs should participate in the cooler parts of the day and walk.
• Test pavement and cement before taking your pet on it with the back of your hand. If it's too hot for your touch, it'll burn their paws.
• Make sure to take plenty of water and keep to shady areas if possible.
• Know the signs of heat stroke/ burnt feet and seek veterinary care immediately.
  
• If your dog has never ran much distance, please be cautious and consider simply walking the 5k!