More than 70 dogs and their families including students, staff and community members, braved the winter weather and chilly temperatures on Sunday, March 12 at this year’s OTS Dog Jog at the University of Guelph’s Arboretum. The annual non-competitive two-kilometer or five-kilometer walk or run is entirely organized by OVC student veterinarians with the OTS Professional Veterinary Fraternity. A record-breaking $12,449.60 was raised this year, with all funds going to OVC Pet Trust to support new surgery and anesthesia facilities at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).
OVC Pet Trust Board Chair Dr. Doreen Houston, who is also an OVC grad from the class of 1980, thanked participants for attending and supporting the event, now in its seventh year.
IN PHOTO: 2017 OTS Dog Jog student veterinarian organizers.
“A big thank you goes out to all of the Dog Jog organizers for dedicating their time to planning the event and to raising funds to support companion animal health,” Dr. Houston said. “Your support of Pet Trust today will help OVC stay at the forefront of veterinary medicine and continue to be one of the leading veterinary schools in the world.” Dr. Houston also noted the medical advancements Pet Trust funding has helped achieve over the past 30 years, with more than $35 million raised to support innovative discoveries, healthcare and education at OVC.
OVC Dean Jeff Wichtel also passed along his congratulations to the organizers and participants. “Thank you to everyone associated with the Dog Jog for another very successful event. Once again you’ve all demonstrated your commitment to OVC Pet Trust and their efforts to improve the health of our animals through discovery and learning.”
The OTS Dog Jog was co-founded by Rebecca Sterns and Steve Patten in 2011, and has raised more than $45,000 for Pet Trust to date.
Congratulations to the top student fundraiser Caitlin Forbes (OVC 2018), top community member fundraiser Barry Seltzer (Oatie parent) and the youngest fundraiser, Maddison.
Awards recognition also went to: Beckham, the oldest dog participant, a Dalmatian who is 15 years old; Oscar the Pug, the fastest runner; and to the Ruby Rhinos, OVC Class of 2020 for being the top fundraising class this year!
To view more photos of this year’s Dog Jog, please visit www.facebook.com/ovcpet.
IN PHOTO: Dr. Rebecca Sterns and Dr. Doreen Houston with Obi