The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5K race showcases couple’s love for dogs
Annual event keeps growing, raising funds for our furry friends.
When the Street Dog Dash 5K takes over Etowah River Park in Canton next Saturday, Josh and Michelle Williams and their three dogs will be part of the event. While it’s a good cause to raise funds for local animal shelters and rescue groups, it’s also a sweet reminder of what brought the couple together.
“We were living in Dunwoody 10 years ago when we met at a dog park,” Josh said. “The dogs are also the reason we found Canton. We came here to do the 5K in 2018, and afterwards we drove around and found the neighborhood we now live in.”
Dogs have continued to be “our No. 1 thing,” Josh added. The couple has a Lab hound and two chow-shepherd mixes.
“They’re a big part of our lives,” he said. “Anything we can give back to them, we will.”
The 5K launched in 2018, the year the Wi liamses first took part.
“I was looking for a community event for my employer that would give back to a charitable organization,” Michelle said. “It was great, but then in 2021 we didn’t have the race due to COVID.”
That same year, the event’s founder resigned, and when volunteers were recruited to take over, the couple raised their hands. This is the third year they’ve served as directors of the race, which has grown steadily from 198 volunteers and $4,800 raised in 2018 to 240 workers and about $15,000 last year.
Proceeds have gone to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter and partner foster and rescue groups.
This year’s 5K is shaping up to be even bigger, with more activities and vendors on hand. An after-party, a raffle, live music, a rescue stories booth and adoption groups will be part of the event, which kicks off at 9 a.m. Registrations are accepted up to 10 minutes before the start time; they are $40 for individuals and $5 for dogs. Participants receive a swag bag and a goodie for their pets. Having a dog isn’t a requirement.
“But,” Josh said, “you can adopt one when you’re there.”