Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog Achieves Tail-wagging Success to Benefit Priority 4 Paws Shelter Medicine Program

November 3, 2023

Dog Jog participants pass the solar system installation on Purdue's campus
The Dog Jog route took runners and their canine counterparts past landmarks on the south side of the Purdue campus.

If you happened to be on the Purdue University campus near the College of Veterinary Medicine on the morning of Saturday, September 23, you were certainly in for a treat. The 2023 Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog 5K was held at the conclusion of the Purdue Veterinary Conference that day and featured 111 human runners and close to 60 furry companions, including four adoptable dogs from a local animal shelter. Equally significant, the race raised some $3,000 to support Priority 4 Paws, the college’s shelter medicine program that provides high-quality medical and surgical care for shelter animals while educating the next generation of veterinarians.

This year’s race was coordinated by co-chairs Allison Holahan and Morgan Watkins, of the DVM Class of 2025, Elliot Westrich, of the DVM Class of 2026, and first-year veterinary student Dalton Whitehead.  Together, they arranged all the details of the event with aid from the PVM administration. “We know how important the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog is to the Purdue Veterinary Medicine family, so we worked hard this year to make sure that it was a positive experience that could bring our entire community together,” Elliot said.

Two female participants and a Golden Retriever companion walk past the Small Animal Hospital on their way to the finish line.
The Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog looped past the David and Bonnie Brunner Small Animal Hospital as more than 100 people and 60 dogs completed the course, which started and ended in front of Lynn Hall.

The day of the race yielded an incredible volunteer turn out from both the College of Veterinary Medicine and some undergraduate organizations, including A Cause for Paws. Sponsors included SAVMA Purdue (Purdue chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association), National Veterinary Associates (NVA), McAffee Animal Hospital, Doppler Veterinary Network, Pet Wellness Clinics, and Coyne Veterinary Services. Fleet Feet Sports in West Lafayette donated gift cards to the top four winners.

Representatives of two local animal shelters, Natalie’s Second Chance Dog Shelter and the Humane Society for Greater Lafayette, also came to the race this year. Natalie’s Second Chance brought the four adoptable dogs, and all of them participated in the race, joining with humans to form human-canine pairs. “We were very happy to have shelter dogs in the race again this year and hope to invite more next year,” Allison said.

The race began and ended in front of Lynn Hall, near the Continuum sculpture, with Dean Willie Reed giving the starting command, and a running clock at the finish-line displaying the times of the participants as they completed the course. Prizes were given to the top finishers. Congratulations to each of the award winners!

Top Two Canine and Human Pairs:

  • Michael Zenzola, a Purdue student in civil engineering, and his canine companion finished the course with a time of 24:22
  • Kevin Oliver, a Purdue staff member in Capital Program Management, and his canine counterpart crossed the finish line with a time of 28:46

Top Female Overall:

  • Kristy Parker, of the DVM Class of 2027, completed the race with a time of 22:11

Top Male Overall:

  • Paul McDonald, of the DVM Class of 2025, finished the race with a time of 18:41
Paul and his dog join Dean Reed, Betty, and Allison on the front steps of Lynn Hall to receive his recognition and gift card
Paul McDonald, running with his dog, crossed the finish-line first and was honored as the fastest male participant by Dean Willie Reed, Dr. Skip Jackson’s widow Betty Jackson, and race co-chair Allison Holahan.
Kristy is joined by Dean Reed, Betty, and Allison on the steps of Lynn Hall to receive her gift card
Kristy Parker, of the DVM Class of 2027, took top honors as the fastest woman in the race, running with her canine companion.
Kevin and his black and white dogs stand alongside Dean Reed, Betty, and Allison on the steps of Lynn Hall to receive his recognition and gift card
Kevin Oliver and his dogs were recognized for completing the course as the second-fastest human-canine pair.

Thank you to all who volunteered at this year’s race and donated to the cause!

Professional photos of the Dog Jog are available to view with free digital downloads sized for social media (or prints available for purchase) at the Ed Lausch Photography website. Click here to access the 2023 Dog Jog photo gallery. The password for the gallery is: 2023PVM.

Writer(s): Madeline Brod, communications intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative. 

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session.  The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference.  The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.