On a Saturday morning in mid-April, I drove to Yreka’s Greenhorn Park for the “Dash Into Spring” 5K Run & Walk, hosted by Karuk Youth Leadership (KYL). All proceeds from the fundraiser would benefit KYL and Rescue Ranch. I was especially looking forward to watching our shelter dogs in action. The cool weather was promising: a grey sky meant participants would be comfortable as they made three circuits around the reservoir.
Karuk Youth Leadership opts to share proceeds with shelter dogs
Karuk Youth Leadership Coordinator Brionna Gonzales, said that they had chosen Rescue Ranch because they really loved dogs: “The kids have been doing continuous work with them. They went out to the Sanctuary and they’ve been out to the Rescue Ranch [Adoption Center] to do the dog partnership. They’ve been working with the Rescue Ranch and also SNIP of Siskiyou County, Essex Veterinary Services and Purr-Angels. They just really like animals and helping animals.”
Lucky rescue dogs enjoy an afternoon in the park
When I arrived, the upper park was already bustling. Food trucks dotted the parking area, vendors arranged their wares on an adjacent lawn, and volunteers organized raffle prizes and activities. The line of participants queuing to register grew longer as noon approached, and the buzz of expectation became palpable. Shelter dogs waited eagerly for their volunteer handlers to arrive. Two other Ranch puppies, Haku (now adopted) and Gilly, socialized with visitors at the Ranch booth.
Of the many racers that registered for the event, 12 signed up to walk/run with Rescue Ranch dogs. Karen Topping of Meghan’s House Rescue is always looking for adoption oportunities. Teaming up racers with shelter dogs would give available pups a much-deserved break while showcasing them in the local community. On race day, handlers and hounds were well prepared, having been paired the preceding Saturday during a free Canicross class at the Adoption Center.
Most volunteers chose the non-competitive option. Meghan Topping, however, was eager to compete with her dog trio: Bella, a lovely Aussie and registered service dog, Skye, a husky/pit mix, and Clementine, a border collie. Meghan had been training with three dogs for several weeks but substituted Clementine at the last minute for Skye’s sister Nova. Gentle Nova was too stressed by all the commotion and enjoyed a calmer walking circuit with a different handler, instead.
Ready!… Set!… Go!
Registration took over an hour. Then, as race time neared, organizers summoned humans and canines to the arch that marked the start line. Meanwhile, I found a spot with a good view of the action. At last, the countdown began: “3… 2… 1…Go!” Confetti filled the air and racers surged forward.
Participants joined in at their own speed: runners quickly vanished around a bend, while walkers followed at a more leisurely pace. Ranch pups were eager but content, with no behavior issues interrupting the good cheer. The energy and joy were contagious.
I hurried to a new vantage point to catch the leaders as they came around for laps 2 and 3. Race officials cheered on each competitor as runners of all levels approached the finish line. An experienced local track team carried the day.
Adoptable pups shine bright
Every racer I spoke with had high praise for the way their rescue dog handled the event. Karuk Youth Leadership member Braylon Evans patted Rango, a handsome shepherd mix. Braylon explained that he had originally signed up for the Canicross class simply to spend time with a dog. He hasn’t owned one for a while.
Kristy Vonsaltza and Diona Lowery joined because their daughters volunteer at the Ranch. They agreed that if even one pup was adopted through the event, they’d consider it time well spent. Kristy said the dogs “probably don’t get out much. This is so exciting for them, to get some attention and socialize.”
Toni Joling and her husband Darin are recent adopters of Marigold, now Maggie. “We had just adopted a dog at the Rescue Ranch and then I saw this. I like to go out and run, so I thought it would be fun to see if they could get some attention and get adopted.” She encouraged her husband to come along because, “The more people that come, the more dogs that can just be out for a little bit.”
Following the race, our canine ambassadors showed off their superb social skills as they mingled with the crowd awaiting the raffle. Bernadette, a gorgeous brindle mastiff mix, charmed everyone with her affability and sweet temper. Cheerful Ruby looked as if she wouldn’t mind another lap around the lake. Clementine bounced at the end of her leash, as energetic as ever. It would take multiple races to wear her out. Most of the dog handlers spent the afternoon with their canine partner, spoiling them with love, attention, and, of course, delicious handouts from the food trucks.
A successful event for everyone – Thank you KYL!
Hosting a 5K event was a new challenge for KYL, and Brionna said it was a good learning experience. “At the beginning it was pretty hectic because it was our first event, but I think overall it was a good turnout. It just all worked out. We learned things that we could change next year, but I think for our first time ever doing this, it was a good thing.” The numbers weren’t all in yet, but she felt certain the event had been a successful fundraiser as well. That’s what we call doing it for the dogs!
