Doing Good: Race brings support for veterinary community

Man and his best friend hit the pavement May 2 to participate in the 28th annual Atlanta Dog Jog at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody. The 5K, the largest of its kind in Georgia, brought together the dog-loving community to raise money for the VetHeart of Georgia and Canine Companions for Independence.

The popular community event, hosted by the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, featured a 5K and a one-mile run or walk with dogs and had over 300 participants to raise money for the organizations.

“Pets are an increasingly important part of people’s lives and this is a great way to support two organizations are working to push that forward,” said Louis Geneos, corporate relations and developments manager for GVMA.

VetHeart is the philanthropic leg of GVMA and it promotes the stewardship of animals and their environments, supports public education and awareness of veterinary care, and provides assistance programs for underserved animals. Canine Companions is a national organization that is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs.

“We were excited to be involved with the Atlanta Dog Jog because it takes a lot to make sure these dogs are well trained for service,” said Martha Johnson with Canine Companions. “Special events and support from the community at events like the Atlanta Dog Jog mean a lot to us as it allows us to continue to offer our highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing follow up services at absolutely no charge.”

Both organizations seek volunteers whether it is to coordinate next year’s Atlanta Dog Jog or help with Canine Companions as a puppy raiser or host fundraising events and provide outreach.

The event also saw guests like Labrador Friends of the South, an organization that finds homes for displaced and rescue Labradors. The group found families to adopt three of their dogs during the Dog Jog event further the mission of bringing together dogs and dog lovers.

“Events like Atlanta Dog Jog help people be active with their dogs and help two great causes that make a real impact for people and their pets in their local community,” Geneos added.

In other news: Georgia district of Kiwanis donated a playground to the A.W. Tony Matthews Boys and Girls Club in Mableton. The playground was a gift celebrating Kiwanis International's 100th anniversary and will support the kids served the the club. The club serves the 18 public schools in Cobb County, over 300 students per day and has over 15 after-school programs.