With 135 runners and more than 70 dogs, the 2019 Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog attracted quite the turnout! Purdue SAVMA, the PVM Chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, hosted the event, which was organized by a team of student volunteers led by event chair Javier Pino of the DVM Class of 2021.
“As a runner, I have been attracted to the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog since my first semester in vet school,” explained Javi. “Bringing the event together over the past year and implementing improvements was a great experience! I am excited to see the Dog Jog develop in the upcoming years as we continue to honor Dr. Jackson’s legacy by keeping a fun and friendly environment that the community can enjoy while raising money for a great cause.”
The event is named in honor of Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry Horace (Skip) Jackson, who has participated ever since the College of Veterinary Medicine’s first fun run/walk was held in conjunction with the Purdue Veterinary Conference almost five decades ago. This year, Dr. Jackson again was present at the event with his family.
After all the participants had completed the race, Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed handed out awards for the top three runners in the male and female categories. First place in the men’s category went to Christopher Speers, with a time of 19:53, and first place in the women’s category went to Kim Grogg, who recorded a time of 24:53. There were also some unique awards, such as “Fastest Human-Canine Pair” and “Largest Dog.”
Dean Willie Reed presented Nithin Raghunathan and his dog with the prize for “Fastest Human-Canine Pair”. 
Naomi Bechtold’s dog won the “Largest Dog” award.
All proceeds from the event support two PVM programs: Priority4Paws, the College’s mobile surgery unit that provides spay and neuter services free-of-charge to participating Indiana animal shelters; and the PetSafe program, which provides emergency shelter for animals who cannot be cared for by their families due to natural disasters, domestic violence, or the pet owner’s need for hospice care. All participating dogs received Dog Jog bandanas that their owners were able to decorate at booths hosted by PetSmart, Shelter Medicine, and the LGBTQ center. PVM’s Canine Educator program also sold its much-loved “pupsicles” at the event. CrossFit West Lafayette was on hand as well to lead warmups and stretches prior to the race and the Clinton Country Humane Society provided shelter dogs to accompany runners. After the race, the West Lafayette Police Department performed a K9 demonstration and the Priority4Paws unit was on site and open for tours.
Click here to view the Dog Jog photo album.
In order to keep the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog active for years to come, the College is raising money to establish an endowment that will cover costs associated with running the event so it will live on in perpetuity. The goal is to raise $25,000. Please consider joining this effort to provide sustaining support for the race for years to come. Click here to contribute.
