Fido Fun Run

Dogs and their owners are invited to Claremore Animal Shelter’s second annual event on April 27 to raise money for discounted pet adoptions.

The starting line at last year’s Fido Fun Run.

Dog owners: mark your ­calendars for April 27, 2013! That’s when Claremore Animal Shelter will call both tennis shoe clad feet and furry paws to the ­starting line of the Fido Fun Run, an event designed to ­provide fun for pets and pet owners while raising money for discounted adoptions.

    “May is kitten season; there is always a surplus of kittens that time of year,” says Jean Hurst of the Claremore Animal Shelter. “Last year was our first year for the Fido Fun Run, and we feel it was a success because it helped fund several discounted pet adoptions.”

    Even though this event helps furry felines find homes, the races are for dogs and their owners. This year, the event will host a 5K Race, with prize ­categories for youth, men and women and their canine ­companions. Winners in the 5K categories will receive medals along with various prizes ­provided by event sponsors Atwoods and Infinity Gym.

    Jean and other event ­organizers understand that not every pet or person is a runner, so they brought back the 1-Mile Fun Run this year for those who want to walk, run a short ­distance, or just enjoy nature. “This event was designed to help socialize pets,” says Jean. “It ­promotes a healthy relationship between you and your dog.” Jean reports that last year, one lady participated in the event ­specifically for this purpose and to help her dog learn to be around other dogs and people. She was pleased to find that her dog did very well. Jean also notes that the location for the Fido Fun Run is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature with their pet. “Last year, we had people who had never been to Claremore Lake,” she says. “They were surprised at how beautiful it is.”

    Registration for the Fido Fun Run opens at 8 a.m. on April 27. The 1-Mile Fun Run begins at 9 a.m. with a ­registration fee of $10 per ­person/canine team. The 5K competitive race starts at 9:30 a.m. and is $20 per person/canine team. Participants may also register early at the Claremore Animal Shelter. For the protection and health of everyone, all dogs are required to be current on their rabies ­vaccination before registration can be accepted.

    Just as they did this year by adding the 5K race, Jean Hurst and other event organizers hope to implement new events at the Fido Fun Run annually to make it bigger and better each year. “Even though the 5K is a ­competitive event, we want to keep things fun and casual,” says Jean. “We are looking for a good group of people with good ­animals to come out and have a great time.”

    For more information on the Fido Fun Run, contact Claremore Animal Shelter by calling (918) 341-1260. While you are marking your calendars for the Fido Fun Run, you will also want to flip a few months ahead and note Claremore Animal Shelter’s upcoming “Casting for Canines” fishing tournament in June and the Dog Expo, August 24-25.

For more information, contact

Claremore Animal ­Shelter

(918) 341-1260