Record Number of Dogs & People Attend Doggie Dash 2009

 

Thousands came downtown for Doggie Dash '09 at Waterfront Park.

Downtown Portland literally went to the dogs Saturday May 9th, as the Oregon Humane Society hosted the largest Doggie Dash party for pets and people in the history of the 22-year-old event.

Almost 3,300 people registered for the 2.5-mile or 1.5-mile run/walk along Naito Blvd. and Waterfront Park – a 25% increase over last year. OHS estimated the crowd grew to nearly 5,500 people enjoying the event throughout the day.

"We were very excited about how many people made a personal Web page to help raise awareness and funds for the event," said OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon, who noted that 100 percent of Doggie Dash registration fees went to help animals at OHS. The event raised well over $224,000 for animals at OHS.

When the Dash was done, runners and walkers enjoyed a wide range of festivities, including live music, a pancake breakfast, doggie talent contests (including Musical Chairs, Best Dog Kiss, So Ugly I'm Cute, and more) a doggie Frisbee clinic and booths with goodies galore for pets.

 

Top Individual Fundraisers

 

The "Leaders of the Pack" for Doggie Dash fundraising were:

 

• 1st place: Kathryn & Jim Lillis, $1,365
  The Lillis's won two tickets to the Elton John and Billy Joel concert at the Rose Garden on Nov. 10th, dinner for two at the Melting Pot, a night at the Looking Glass Inn and a champagne brunch at OHS.

 

• 2nd place: Nicole Jergovic, $1,183
  Jergovic won a weekend trip for two at Adobe Resort on the Oregon coast and a champagne brunch at OHS.

 

• 3rd place: Mary Ellen Robbins, $985
  Robbins won a night's stay at Hotel Monaco in Downtown Portland (featuring a king suite and a special pet package), a $100 gift certificate to the Red Star Tavern and Roast House, and a champagne brunch at OHS.

 

Top Team Fundraisers

 

The "Leaders of the Pack" for Doggie Dash team fundraising were:

 

• 1st place: Paws for Justice, $5,388
  Paws for Justice won twelve tickets to the Beavers' dog-friendly "Bark in the Park" game on August 1st, dinner at Corbett Fish House, a wine tasting at Montinore Estate, a Doggie Dash team photo, and a champagne brunch at OHS.

 

• 2nd place: Walkin' for the Paws,  $4,934
  Walkin' for the Paws won a group pass for bowling at Grand Central Bowling, "Portland's Ultimate Restaurant and Bowling Lounge," dinner at Corbett Fish House, a Doggie Dash team photo, and a champagne brunch at OHS.

 

• 3rd place: Team pdxdog.com
  Team pdxdog.com won ten tickets to the Oregon International Air Show on August 30th, dinner at Corbett Fish House, a Doggie Dash team photo, and a champagne brunch at OHS.

 

Year of Treats Prize

 

Every Dasher who raised over $500 in donation received a chance at winning the "Year of Treats Prize," which includes: a year of Blockbuster movie rentals, a year of inside/outside car washes at the Washman, a year of Pedigree dog food, a year of Sergeant's dog treats, a year of dinners at top Portland restaurants (including Castagna, Clyde Common, Kenny & Zuke's Delicatessen, Ken’s Artisan Pizza, Corbett Fish House, and Wilf's Restaraunt and Bar), a year of coffee from Starbucks, a year of plants from Garden World, a year of "poop scoop" service from Yard Sergeant, a year of ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s in the Pearl, a year of cupcakes for you and your dog from Cupcake Jones, a year of grooming from Angela Jacobs at Full Circle Vet, a year's membership in the OHS Kid's Clubs, and more!

 

The winner: Josie Benfield

 

Thanks to Our Partners

The OHS Doggie Dash was presented by Banfield, The Pet Hospital. Additional sponsorship provided by Fred Meyer, Subaru, Pedigree, Sergeant's, ProGrass, K103-FM,  KATU-TV, Witham & Dickey, Beard’s Framing, Providence Lifeline, Looking Glass Inn, Merial and The Dalles Inn.

 

If you haven't made your Doggie Dash gift yet, there's still time to to make your online contribution.