Scene from 2021 Dog Jog. Courtesy photo

FOSCA News:

The Los Alamos Dog Jog organizers thank their ever-supportive and pet-loving community for participating in the 2022 Los Alamos Dog Jog.

Despite the smoke associated with nearby fires, Saturday, April 30, dawned sunny, clear and calm. To celebrate the beautiful morning, about 20 runners and more than 100 walkers with dogs turned out for the Los Alamos Dog Jog. 

All of the funds raised will go to support Friends of Shelter and Companion Animals (FOSCA) and its spay/neuter programs and  catastrophic vet care programs. Through these programs FOSCA helps reduce pet suffering and pet overpopulation and helps pet owners care for their beloved cats and dogs.

This year’s Dog Jog was dedicated to the memory of wonderful Los Alamos citizen and lifelong animal lover, Kent Pegg, who passed away last year. Pegg supported Friends of Shelter and Companion Animals and the Los Alamos Dog Jog every single year that he lived in Los Alamos and is remembered fondly.  Pegg’s widow, Carrie Montoya-Pegg, spoke about the amazing person that Pegg was and his dedication to helping people through training and coaching as well as his devotion to friends, family and his beloved pets. Pegg’s “theme song” “The Best of Buddies” was played to an appreciative crowd.

Also, this year’s t-shirt was designed by Chamisa fourth-grader Taylor Schwerdt and her design incorporated a tribute to Kent Pegg.

Thanks to the reduction in COVID-19 cases, FOSCA were able to hold a post-race prize ceremony where many dogs received special prizes for their cute ears, adorable wags, or just for being the special pups that they are. A special prize basket was given to the oldest dog to participate this year, 16-year-old Sassy, and 13- and 14-year-old dogs Fido, Zoey, Chaco, Frankie and Bronco were honored.

The fastest runners on the 5K course were Adrienne and Luke Hetrick who crossed the finish line together with dogs Amber and Koa and baby Ryder in the stroller – a true family effort! Fastest kid on the 5K course was Annette Preston with Bon Jovi flashing his fancy purple tail. Second place awards went to Andre Sison and Pike and Ayva Preston with pink-tailed Kiss, while third-place finishers were Mike Salmon and Chester, and Steph Sitarz with Peanut. On the 5K course, some special prizes were awarded, including one for the most determined dog, Ripley, who despite still sporting stitches from an unfortunate porcupine encounter, finished the run in fine style!

Finish line dog toys, donated by Pet Pangaea, were given to every pooch – many four-legged finishers enjoyed deliberating over the many toy choices and picking out that special toy themselves.  Gracie the yellow Lab was not registered this year, but since she lives in the neighborhood and happened to be walking by, she was encouraged to pick out a toy to take home, and she did!

Over on the walking course, fun was had by all.  Dogs with many spots, dogs with fluffy coats, dogs with adorable ears, dogs just having a great time were spotted on the course and the Dog Jog organizers just really enjoyed watching everybody have fun. The whole photo gallery will be posted soon at https://www.flickr.com/photos/fos_losalamos/sets

Dog Jog organizers thank their sponsors and donors, including the titanium sponsors Jeremy Campbell/Ameriprise, Pet Pangaea, and Ridgeview Veterinary Hospital as well as the platinum sponsors, Blue Window Bistro, Lou Santoro State Farm, and Hartway and Breshears, CPA, LLC, and the gold sponsors Rendija Dog Hikes, Atomic City Roadrunners, and Los Alamos Doghouse, and also the silver sponsors, Los Alamos Medical Center, Santa Fe Sports and Images, and Los Alamos Chiropractic. 

And another thank you to all of the prize sponsors that donated gift cards for the  fastest runners, random walkers, happiest kids and very special dogs: Pet Pangaea, the Running Hub, Los Alamos Coop Market and Papa Murphy’s Pizza.

And a huge thank you to all of the participants who make it fun and are appreciate you so much!

5K Finisher times

1. Adrienne Hetrick 22:02
2. Luke Hetrick 22:03
3. Andre Sison 25:34
4. Garrison Sison 27:04
5. Wendi Dreesen 28:05
6. Marcus Kolman 28:07
7. Dave Kolman 28:08
8. Mike Salmon 28:10
9. Ayva Preston 29:42
10. Annette Preston 30:35
11. Stephanie Sitarz 34:30
12. Emmitt Tibbetts 38:15
13. Denise Robertson 39:05
14. Ben Barnhardt 40:01
15. Jeanette Trujillo-Rondeau 46:20
16. Linda Vance 46:30
17. Tamara Jurado 46:31
18. Ted Williams 50:55
19. Lisabeth Fogarty 51:03