Pup Strut Race for Dog Owners and Pets Offers a Chance to Give Back to the Community
About 100 people and dogs participated in the 5K Walk/ Run on the Glendale Campus for organizations that benefit animal welfare.
- AZ - Glendale
The Pup Strut offered a chance for participants to share a 5K with their dogs and raise money for veterinary charities.
The Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), along with the University chapter of Omega Tau Sigma (OTS) veterinary fraternity, hosted the annual Pup Strut 5K Walk/ Run on Saturday, February 3rd. Around 100 people and dogs participated in the race, and over $2,500 was raised for animal welfare and scholarships for veterinary students. The race was held on the University campus in Glendale with a five-kilometer walk and run on site. Participating organizations included AZPetVet, Soul animal shelter, Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, Purina, and Pet Dental USA.
Veterinary students planned this annual event and really enjoyed it. John Boules (AZCVM ’26), vice-president of OTS, noted that “Participating in this event is good for you as a veterinary student. There are different organizations coming in from the city and the state. Seeing the event take place and raising money for the foundations were great takeaways, especially supporting animal rescue and adoption. Also, it was important to get everyone’s lovely pets in one place to have a good time and raise money for a good cause.”
Hannah Guenza (AZCVM ’26), philanthropy chair of OTS, added, “This event gives Midwestern University students an opportunity to go out and run with their dogs instead of only studying. Stepping out of your comfort zone into a leadership role can be scary, but when you get to see what comes out of it, then it’s very rewarding. Medical school isn’t all about grinding, simulations, and preparing for the test.”
Gurpinder Dhaliwal (AZCVM ’26), social chair of OTS said, “It’s important for the community to meet veterinary providers. Philanthropy is a big ideal for OTS, especially our chapter. It fine tunes our communication skills, teaches us to communicate with sponsors, learn how to handle university paperwork, request permissions, and logistically set up and host the event.”
The majority of this year’s Pup Strut proceeds went to the Soul Animal Shelter, which was started by Midwestern University alumni.
Pup Strut is one of many supplemental activities for veterinary students. Midwestern University offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in Glendale.
