PVM Dog Jog Showcases Human-Animal Bond in Action

October 4, 2019

Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog participants enjoy their 5K trek through the Purdue campus.

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.

Dean Willie Reed, who drove Skip Jackson around the course on a golf cart that also carried Dr. Jackson’s wife, Betty Ruth, and PVM alumnus and longtime race supporter and enthusiast Dr. Larry McAfee. — Professor emeritus Skip Jackson, in whose honor the race is named, participated again this year with the assistance of Dean Willie Reed, who drove him around the course on a golf cart that also carried Dr. Jackson’s wife, Betty Ruth, and PVM alumnus and longtime race supporter and enthusiast Dr. Larry McAfee (PU DVM ’73).

“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.”

Student volunteers congratulated runners and their dogs as they crossed the finish line in front of Lynn Hall.

Dean Willie Reed presented Nithin Raghunathan and his dog with the prize for “Fastest Human-Canine Pair”.

A group of people and dogs pose together outdoors, celebrating a community event. — Dean Willie Reed presented Nithin Raghunathan and his dog with the prize for “Fastest Human-Canine Pair”.

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.

The fun and festivities were captured on a video of the event.

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.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Taco ’bout our amazing people!

With the conclusion of the summer season rapidly approaching, faculty and staff at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine were treated to a taco luncheon on Friday, August 14 in appreciation of their excellence and dedication throughout the year. Though the event couldn't take place in the Lynn Hall Courtyard as originally planned, the rainy weather that day did not dampen the celebration of the college's incredible faculty and staff.

Reception honors visiting Japanese DVM and veterinary technology students

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s partnership with two veterinary schools in Japan was the basis for a celebratory reception at the end of last week, as the college honored visiting students from Kitasato University and Rakuno Gakuen University. The eight member delegation included four DVM students and a faculty member from Kitasato University and two veterinary nursing students and a faculty member from Rakuno Gakuen University. The reception on Friday morning, August 14, served as an informal farewell and included a brief recognition program when each of the Japanese visitors received a commemorative certificate.

ADDL and CPB Department welcome new pathology residents and intern

A trio of veterinary graduates started their pathology residencies at Purdue Veterinary Medicine this summer while a fourth veterinarian began a pathology internship in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. This newest class of students pursuing post-DVM training in pathology includes Purdue veterinary alumni and graduates of universities abroad.

PVM Team Shares Collaborative Approach at National Advancement Conference

When alumni and donors choose to invest their time, talents, and resources in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, they typically are not focusing on departments or organizational charts—they're thinking about the college they love. That simple idea was the foundation of a presentation delivered by Julia Wickard, executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and constituent liaison, and April Shepherd, PVM’s senior director of development, at the Association of Veterinary Advancement Professionals (AVAP) Annual Meeting, which was held July 8-10, just prior to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Annual Convention in Anaheim, California.

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

This week we are happy to highlight Lanora Lannan, who is the client liaison for Small Animal Primary Care.

“Paws Up” for Dr. Michelle Tucker – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are highlighting Dr. Michelle Tucker, who is an assistant professor of large animal surgery, for contributing to a rewarding learning environment here at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine and Purdue Football Share Bullish Outlook at Summer Event

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, recently attended the Purdue Football Coaches Celebration at McGraw’s Purdue Chop House in West Lafayette, where he connected with new Purdue Head Football Coach Barry Odom. The event, hosted by McGraw’s owner Todd McGraw, also featured an opportunity to meet “Odom,” the Purdue Beef Angus Bull that serves as the latest symbol of Boilermaker pride.

Recognition Ceremony Honors VCS Residents, Graduate Students, and Purdue Veterinary Hospital Interns

More than 100 faculty and staff of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital (PVH) gathered at Lafayette’s Thomas Duncan Hall on Thursday, June 26 for the 2025 Resident and Intern Recognition Ceremony. The historic venue was a wonderful place to host this annual event that honors and celebrates the accomplishments of the VCS and PVH residents, interns, and graduate students who are completing their programs this summer.