Hundreds of dogs and their owners enjoyed the 24th Annual Dog Olympics hosted by the College of Veterinary Medicine Saturday.
Olympic events ranged from high jump, longest tail, dog limbo and a howling contest. The College of Veterinary Medicine campus was also packed with booths promoting healthy dog treats from small businesses, College of Veterinary Medicine canine health researchers and the rescues the event supported.
Elizabeth Hyde, a third-year student studying to be a doctor of veterinary medicine, worked at the microchip clinic, where dog owners could get a microchip implanted in their dog for free.
“This is a much better turnout than last year when it rained out,” Hyde said. “It’s only midday, and we’ve already [given out] half of the 100 chips we have.”
The microchips, which were donated by the Raleigh Kennel Club, usually cost pet owners $15 to $30.
“We do it free for one dog per family,” Hyde said.
This year, the Dog Olympics featured the Kid’s Competition Ring, an event that encouraged children to get involved and show off their pets’ talents.
The competitions were judged and narrated by professors of the College of Veterinary Medicine, which cultivated an atmosphere of excitement and energy.
The event was facilitated by the Companion Animal Wellness Club, organized by president-elect Amy Lamb, a third-year student studying to be a doctor of veterinary medicine.
“It really took a lot of support from the community to organize and staff this event,” Lamb said.
Charles Jones, the Dog Olympics committee chairman and third-year student studying to be a doctor of veterinary medicine, was also instrumental in the organizing of this event.
“Students both at the vet school and part of the undergraduate pre-vet club volunteer their time to guide people, sell merchandise, register competitors and interact in the ring,” Jones said.
All the proceeds from donations, sales of baked goods and T-shirts made by College of Veterinary Medicine students and staff will be divided up among the 14 rescues that participated Saturday.
“Last year through support of our sponsors and visitors we raised $3,144.60 to support our local rescues,” Lamb said.
The amount raised at this weekend’s Dog Olympics has not yet been calculated.
In addition to donations, local rescue groups and shelters gained exposure and the chance to talk to potential dog owners.
“These rescue groups embody the human-animal bond and welfare,” Jones said. “We want to help these groups to be able to do the work they do.”
Can’t get enough cuteness? View more Dog Olympics photos here and video here.
Dill Pickle, a three month old Anatolian Shepherd mix, relaxes in the shade by Paw-fect Match Rescue during the 24th Annual Dog Olympics. The rescue was one of many showcasing their fostered dogs that are avaiable for adoption in front of the College of Veterinary Medicine, on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015.
