NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Registration is now open for the NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Oct. 15, hosted by Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie. The morning of fitness and fun — celebrating the lives of local pets and raising money for no-kill, animal rescue organizations in our region — will also include a pre-race dog parade and Heaven’s Pets’ annual Blessing of the Pets after the race.
In partnership with NOLA Girl Charitable Giving, this year’s NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk will mark the event’s 6th anniversary. This will be the second year the race takes place on the grounds of historic Metairie Cemetery at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in conjunction with Heaven’s Pets’ annual Blessing of the Pets. Chuck George with New Orleans Running Systems, Inc. will direct the race.
Typically drawing more than 400 participants of all ages to compete, the race has raised approximately $110,000 for local animal rescue organizations over the past five years. Proceeds from this year’s race and online auction will go to Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), Take Paws Rescue, The Inner Pup (TIP), Trampled Rose Rescue & Rehab and Zeus’ Rescues.
“We are excited to build on the success of last year’s event, which was the first time Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery hosted our NOLA Dogs Race to Rescue fundraiser,” said JoAnne Casey, founder of NOLA Girl Charitable Giving. “As one of our long-standing supporters, Heaven’s Pets is proving to be the perfect partner to help bring out runners, pet owners and community members in support of local animal rescue organizations. Funds raised at the event help cover medical and other expenses for adoptable pets until they are placed into loving homes.”
“It’s wonderful to partner with NOLA Girl Charitable Giving for a day of family-friendly fun and recreation that also benefits animals in our region,” said Patrick McCausland, president of Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie. “We are happy to help raise awareness and funds to support and celebrate the Greater New Orleans pet community.”
The morning events will include:
8:00 a.m. – Dog Parade
The festivities will kick-off with a second line parade around Metairie Cemetery, led by Soul Brass Band, for pets and their owners to stretch their legs. Costumes for animals and people are encouraged. There is no fee to participate in the dog parade.
8:30 a.m. – NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk
Race participants will cover a 3.1-mile course through the beautiful, oak-tree lined streets of historic Metairie Cemetery. The race is for humans only, while pets and their caregivers are encouraged to cheer on race participants from the sidelines. FOX 8 meteorologist Zack Fradella will emcee the event, and representatives from Orangetheory Fitness will lead race participants in warm-up exercises. Disco Amigos will cheer at the finish line, and the race will conclude with an awards ceremony and food and refreshments. Attendees will have the option to bid on an array of auction items from local retailers.
For race details and online registration, visit www.nolagirl.org/events or call (504) 502-6206. Registration will be available on race day starting at 7 a.m. Virtual participation is also available.
9:45 a.m. – Heaven’s Pets annual Blessing of the Pets
Following the race, attendees and their pets of all shapes and sizes are invited to attend Heaven’s Pets annual Blessing of the Pets to celebrate and honor our beloved pets – both past and present. Treats, giveaways and sno-balls from Imperial Woodpecker will be provided for pets and people. For more than fifteen years, Heaven’s Pets has provided bereavement and memorialization services for those who have lost a pet as well as total pet death care and cremation. The Blessing of the Pets is free and open to the public.
