Dogs gone jogging for Humane Society

The Kiwanis Club of Plymouth, Michigan, teamed up with the Michigan Humane Society to conduct the 10th annual Plymouth Dog Jog. The Dog Jog raises money for Kiwanis and the Michigan Humane Society.

Masters and their best friends collect pledges and turn them in on the day of the event. Then, the human-canine companions embark on a two-mile jog/walk, which ends at the Kellogg Park where prizes are awarded.

“We had 188 dogs this year,” says event organizer and Plymouth Kiwanis club president Charlene Miller. “We award prizes to dogs with the longest tail, the shortest tail, the biggest dog, the dog with the best costume, and the dogs who look most like their owners.”

All the prizes are donated and range from gift certificates for dinner for two to plush dogs for the kids. Local merchants donate T-shirts and bandanas for two-legged and four-legged competitors. Vendors also pay a US$10 fee to set up booths at the event to promote their shops and give away freebies.

“This year the Humane Society received $2,400,” Charlene said. “The Kiwanis club made about $800.”