Media Contact:
Greg Thomas, News Services, 919/515-3470

Sept. 29, 2003

Vet School’s Popular Dog Olympics Set for Oct. 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine will host the 12th annual Dog Olympics on Saturday, Oct. 4. The event will take place on the college’s campus, located at the corner of Hillsborough Street and Blue Ridge Road. Events will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. with a variety of competitions, exhibitors, and demonstrations for both dogs and their owners. The events are sponsored by the student chapters of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Admission to the Dog Olympics is $1 per human and $3 per dog. Admission price also covers the cost of one competition. Each additional competition is $1. Admission for children less than 5 years of age is free. Only dogs over 4 months of age and current on vaccines will be allowed to participate. Dogs MUST be kept on a leash at all times! Water will be provided.

Each year the Dog Olympics attract more than 300 dogs and their owners to participate in both athletic and non-athletic events. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can compete for prizes in the howling contest, musical sit (similar to musical chairs), best beggar, doggie limbo, doggie high jump and the wiener toss. Competitions for the more athletic canines include the Frisbee toss, a retrieving contest, and “speed demon” race, among others.

Dog owners can also compete with their pooch in the always popular “dog and owner look-alike competition” and silly pet tricks. A panel of volunteer judges from the faculty and staff of the College of Veterinary Medicine will choose the competition winners.

Refreshments for humans and canines, animal entertainers, and exhibitors will also be available on site. Funds raised will support local animal shelters, humane organizations and the participating student clubs. Free parking is available in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s parking lot.

The rain date for the event is Saturday, Oct. 11.

- thomas -