1-K-9 run, walk draws crowd to Memorial Stadium

By Brian M. Boyce
The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE June 06, 2009 09:58 pm

— “Colin the Great” sat beneath the shade of a tree outside Memorial Stadium, crystal ball before him, offering psychic paw readings for participants in the Vigo County Animal Coalition’s 1-K-9 run and walk.
“So far I’m up to three,” Colin Boggs said of psychic pet readings just before 10 a.m. Saturday. “But I foresee many more coming.”
And more were indeed on the way by his spot along the Indiana Mile, but at the moment they and their dogs were busy watching the Terre Haute Police Department’s K-9 demonstration.
“We have a lot of socialization going right now,” explained Elaine Woollery of the Vigo County Animal Coalition as she walked from the stadium’s south lawn toward the west parking lot where booths of vendors lined the path. “It’s a beautiful day to do this walk.”
Events kicked off about 10 a.m. Saturday as close to 100 pet-owners brought their leashed friends for a morning stroll, games and activities.
City Councilman Neil Garrison (D-5th), clipboard in hand, got walkers and runners ready for the 1K trek around the stadium, as Anatolian Shepherds mingled with Great Danes, schnauzers and poodles.
“We tried to do this a couple of years ago, but we decided it would be better in the spring,” he said as the games got under way.
Dawn Lorey, also of the Vigo County Animal Coalition, offered pet portraits while the Terre Haute Humane Society offered microchips for pet-owners wishing to keep better tabs on their pets.
“Everything we make today is going to the Vigo County Animal Coalition,” she said of the fundraiser.
The Vigo County Animal Coalition serves as an umbrella organization for area animal activists, and funds raised Saturday benefited the Terre Haute Humane Society, Harmony Haven, the Spay-Neuter League and Project HOPE (Halting the Overpopulation of Pets without Euthanasia).
The coalition meets at the Vigo County Public Library’s main branch on South Seventh Street the last Wednesday of each month.
PetsMart was one of many supporting vendors at the event, offering free dog treats and chew toys provided by the company’s charitable organization, manager Jacque Sabla explained.
Lorey said regardless of the races, many area pet owners simply wanted to take advantage of quality weather and time with their animals and others of a like mind.
Wesley Walker and “Blondie” were among those participating.
“He’ll be 2 years old in September,” Walker said of his golden retriever. “He loves to run. He loves to swim, too.”
Woollery said the group plans to conduct the event annually.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.