Race and pet blessing raise money for animal rescue groups | Entertainment/Life

It’s a race for a cause: Helping homeless animals in the community. Whether you’re an avid runner or a walker who loves animals, this is one race you don’t want to miss.

Registration is underway for the NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 15, hosted by Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie. Come out for a morning of exercise and fun celebrating the lives of local pets and raising money for no-kill, animal rescue organizations in the region.

Drawing more than 400 participants of all ages, the race has raised about $110,000 for local animal rescue organizations over the past five years. Proceeds from this year’s race and online auction will go to Animal Rescue New Orleans, Take Paws Rescue, The Inner Pup, Trampled Rose Rescue & Rehab and Zeus’ Rescues.

These much-needed funds will help cover medical bills and other expenses for the adoptable pets until they find their forever homes.

The festivities will also include a prerace dog parade and Heaven’s Pets’ annual Blessing of the Pets after the race. Even if the race is not your speed, there is still something for the whole family to enjoy.

UP FIRST: The festivities will kick off at 8 a.m. with a free second-line parade around Metairie Cemetery, led by Soul Brass Band. Costumes for animals and humans are encouraged. 

THE STARTING GUN: The run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. The race is for humans only; pets and their caregivers are encouraged to cheer on race participants from the sidelines.

The 3.1-mile course goes through the oak-tree-lined streets of historic Metairie Cemetery.

FOX 8 meteorologist Zack Fradella will emcee the event. Orangetheory Fitness representatives will lead race participants in warm-up exercises, and Disco Amigos will cheer at the finish line.

AWARDS: The race will conclude with an awards ceremony. Attendees can bid on an array of auction items from local retailers.

PET BLESSING: Heaven’s Pets annual Blessing of the Pets will take place at 9:30 a.m. It's open to the public.

Treats, giveaways and sno-balls from Imperial Woodpecker will be provided for pets and people. 

In partnership with NOLA Girl Charitable Giving, this year’s NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk marks the event’s sixth anniversary.

For race details and online registration, visit www.nolagirl.org/events or call (504) 502-6206. On-site registration on race day will start at 7 a.m.

Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager of Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more info on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans.org.