by CHANEY ARNEY//Staff Writer
People, dogs, and a goat came together and ran to raise money for a good cause.
There were 170 people and their dogs attending the 3rd annual Puppy Run. The event, hosted by the Texas Tech’s Beta Alpha chapter of Alpha Omega Epsilon, (A.O.E.), was held on Oct. 8 at Urbanovsky Park on the Texas Tech University campus.
People were encouraged to bring their dogs as long as they were up to date on shots and were wearing tags. There were two races people and their dogs could participate in, a one-mile walk and a 5K run.
The two winners of each event won a gift card, and there was also a dog and human costume contest. Also, a raffle was held for a basket of dog toys and treats, along with some prizes from local businesses. Some of the sponsors included Caddy Delivery, Sarahbelle’s Boutique, and United Supermarkets Pet Club. The participants could play volleyball, cornhole, and ladderball, and music was played during the run. The racers were encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to hang out and have fun after.
The cost for online registration was $25 and $30 the day of the event, which included a shirt. Their goal was to raise $3,000, and they surpassed the goal by raising $4,000 according to Sarah Wooldridge, doubling the amount raised last year, thanks to the sponsors and participants.
The proceeds benefit A.O.E., as well as the Morris Safe House, which is a Lubbock non-profit, no-kill, animal rescue for dogs. The Morris Safe House was started by Sallie and William Morris in 2008, and it is the A.O.E.’s favorite place to volunteer.
“Morris Safe House has always been one of our favorite places to volunteer…We asked Sallie Morris if she’d like to take part, and she has said yes every year,” said Wooldridge, AEO’s fundraising committee chair person. “They are the most wonderful people to be around and are doing such a great thing taking care of so many adorable dogs!”
Ashley Swendig, a member of A.O.E., came up with the idea for a one-mile and 5k race, and to include the Morris Safe House.
“Every year, it has been more and more fun,” Wooldridge added. “Since it is now an established event, more people attend, and we raise more money.”
As for her favorite part of the Puppy Run, Wooldridge says it was “seeing everyone interact with the dogs, and seeing how happy everyone is playing with the dogs. It makes all the time and planning totally worth it and reminds me why we do it!”
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