Some extol the entertainment value of people watching, and while it can bring amusement, I’m more a dog watcher. It may come from lessons learned from Sarah Babcock, our chief of education and training, but I find dogs’ body language – especially when they come in contact with other dogs – inherently amusing.

Tomorrow’s Dog Jog and 5K Run promises to be prime time for observing both dogs and their people. I’ll be working, but I always find at least a few moments to look around and take it all in, usually from the top of the ramp outside our Robins-Starr Humane Center.

Lots of preparation has gone into this big day, and it all begins at 9:30 a.m. with the kick off of the 5K. It’s a people-only run, sanctioned by Richmond Road Runners, and I’ll be on the lookout for one particular human since my husband is taking part. As the time nears for the Dog Jog to begin at 11 a.m., the dogs and humans will be milling about our parking lot, where Rosebud’s K-9 Kreations Vendor Fair offers lots of options – food, kids’ activities, music and vendors with giveaways. So far 463 dogs are registered to walk the 1-mile course (with their people, of course).

My favorites are those who dress up and jog for the Times-Dispatch’s “Dress Up Your Dog and Jog” competition. The truly inspired category of dog-human look-alike is the very best. If you’re taking part in the competition, be sure to stop by the Times Dispatch table to have your photo taken for the judging.

The vendor fair is free and there’s still time to register for both events, just arrive early and go to the second floor of our building to the Track & Training Center. If you have any questions, look for one of our friendly volunteers to answer questions or point you in the right direction. It’s all great fun, but the best part is that this event is slated to raise $100,000 for homeless pets at the Richmond SPCA. The adoption center will open early, at 10 a.m. Come in and meet the many grateful, furry recipients who benefit. 

Tabitha Hanes is the community relations manager at the Richmond SPCA.

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