Registration underway for Doggie Dash & Dawdle

Registration for the 36th Annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle, Animal Humane New Mexico’s largest fundraiser, is underway.

The even, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at Balloon Fiesta Park, will include two new treats this year, partly to attract more participants from the competitive running community.

For the first time, Doggie Dash will offer a timed 5K “open course” — meaning dog-free — in addition to its traditional 5K Dash for runners with or without canines, and its one-mile dawdle for four-legged and two-legged attendees who want to move at a more leisurely pace.

Another first at the event will be the For Best Friends Beer Garden, featuring Boxing Bear Brewing Co. The beer garden is named for Animal Humane’s newest partner, 4BF (For Best Friends). Managed locally, 4BF supplies canines across the nation with high-quality, all-natural rubber chew toys.

Returning highlights include familyand dog-friendly entertainment such as the Barket place vendor village, composed of 60+ arts and crafts and business booths, and Doggie Carnival, where canines can compete in costume and trick contests, have their pictures taken, learn agility skills and participate in games, like Bobbing for Cheese. Live music and a diverse array of food trucks will also be among the festivities.

No dog is required for attendance; shelter pets will be available to share a day in the park on a first-come, firstserved basis at the popular Rent-a-Dog booth.

All proceeds from Dash registrations and Dash gear sales help Animal Humane save the lives of cats and dogs. To register, visit DoggieDashAndDawdle.org.