Media Contact:
Dave Green, College of Veterinary Medicine, 919/513-6662

Sept. 14, 2004

College of Veterinary Medicine To Hold Annual Dog Olympics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine will hold its 13th annual Dog Olympics from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, on the college’s campus, located at the corner of Hillsborough Street and Blue Ridge Road.

A charitable event, Dog Olympics is open to canines of all breeds, shapes and sizes. Medal events include both athletic and non-athletic competition such as musical sit (similar to musical chairs), obstacle course, Frisbee toss, best beggar, doggie limbo, doggie high jump, a retrieving contest, a howling contest, and a “speed demon” race, among others.

Owners can join their pets for the popular “Dog and Owner Look-a-Like” competition and silly pet tricks. A panel of volunteer judges from the faculty and staff of the College of Veterinary Medicine will select the winners.

The day includes exhibitors, animal entertainers, demonstrations, and refreshments for both dogs and their human companions. Admission is $1 per human and $5 per dog, children 5 and younger are admitted free. The cost of admission covers an entry fee for one event, and each additional event is $1. Owners may choose to pay a flat $10 fee for unlimited event entry.

Sponsored by the Student Chapters of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, Dog Olympics annually helps raise money for the student chapters and for local animal shelters and humane organizations. Dog contestants must be at least 4 months old and current on vaccinations in order to participate. All dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.

In case of rain, Dog Olympics will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2. Past Olympics have averaged 300 canine competitors.

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