NEW ORLEANS – Registration is now open for the NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Oct. 12, hosted by Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie. The morning of fitness and fun — celebrating the lives of local pets and raising money for no-kill, animal rescue organizations in our region — will also include a pre-race dog parade and Heaven’s Pets’ annual Blessing of the Pets after the race.
In partnership with NOLA Girl Charitable Giving, this year’s NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk will mark the event’s 8th anniversary. This will be the fourth year the race will take place on the grounds of historic Metairie Cemetery at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in conjunction with Heaven’s Pets’ annual Blessing of the Pets. Chuck George with New Orleans Running Systems, Inc. will direct the race.
Typically drawing nearly 1,000 participants of all ages to compete, organizers share the race has raised approximately $175,000 for local animal rescue organizations over the past seven years. Proceeds from this year’s race and online auction will go to Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), Take Paws Rescue, The Inner Pup, Trampled Rose Rescue & Rehab and Zeus’ Rescues.
“This is the fourth year Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie has hosted our NOLA Dogs Race to Rescue fundraiser, and we are excited to be back,” said JoAnne Casey, founder of NOLA Girl Charitable Giving. “The oak-shaded paths of Metairie Cemetery make for a beautiful race route, and we’re grateful to Heaven’s Pets for their continued support. This event brings together runners, pet lovers and the community to raise vital funds for local animal rescue groups. Every dollar helps provide medical care and support for pets in need until they find their forever homes.”
“This fun, family-oriented event is a celebration of the Greater New Orleans pet community and a chance to raise both awareness and fun for a great cause,” said Patrick McCausland, president of Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie. “We are proud to collaborate once again with NOLA Girl Charitable Giving to continue what’s quickly becoming a beloved annual tradition.”
The morning events will include:
8 a.m. – Pup Parade
The festivities will kick off with a second line parade around Metairie Cemetery, led by BIG FUN Brass Brand, for pets and their owners to stretch their legs. Costumes for animals and people are encouraged. There is no fee to participate in the dog parade.
8:30 a.m. – NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk
Race participants will cover a 3.1-mile course through the beautiful, oak-tree lined streets of historic Metairie Cemetery. The race is for humans only, while pets and their caregivers are encouraged to cheer on race participants from the sidelines. Representatives from Orangetheory Fitness will lead race participants in warm-up exercises. Streetcar Strutters Nola will cheer at the finish line, and the race will conclude with an awards ceremony, food and refreshments. Attendees will have the option to bid on an array of auction items from local retailers.
For race details and online registration, visit noladogsrace.com or call 504-502-6206. Registration will be available on race day starting at 7 a.m. Virtual participation is also available.
9:30 a.m. – Heaven’s Pets annual Blessing of the Pets
Following the race, attendees and their pets of all shapes and sizes are invited to attend Heaven’s Pets annual Blessing of the Pets to celebrate and honor our beloved pets – both past and present. Treats, giveaways and sno-balls from Plum Street Snoballs will be provided for pets and people.
For 20 years, Heaven’s Pets has provided bereavement and memorialization services for those who have lost a pet as well as total pet death care and cremation. The Blessing of the Pets is free and open to the public.