Taking a walk: New Tech student helps organize Doggone 5K for senior project

A local student’s senior project is going to the dogs.

The 2023 Doggone 5K Dog Walk and Fun Run will be held at Columbus Learning Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 28, with same-day registration starting at 8 a.m. Snacks and hot chocolate will be provided. CSA New Tech student Sophie Shreve is helping organize the event as her senior project.

More information and a link to register is available at columbus.in.gov/animal-care-services and on the department’s Facebook page. Registration is $30 until Oct. 27 at 11:59 p.m. Same-day registration is $35.

Participants are asked to ensure that their dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date and not to bring retractable leashes. Individuals who wish to participate but do not have a dog can walk with a shelter dog, provided they pre-register.

All proceeds will benefit Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services. Proceeds will be used to keep shelter animals up to date on vaccinations.

When asked what inspired her to help with the Doggone 5K, Shreve said that she’s always had a love for animals, and she wanted to make that passion part of her senior project.

She also felt motivated to act because of a website she came across that shows information about dogs in kill shelters and how much time they have left.

“I kind of felt helpless, because I’m all the way over here in Indiana,” Shreve said. “And these animals are all the way in California and different places that are bigger cities that have an absurd population of animals. And I wanted to do something to feel like I could help.”

Her work with the Doggone 5K has included making a flier for the event, looking for sponsors, attending weekly meetings, picking out T-shirt colors and setting up a registration link.

Doug Evans, who is involved with Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services and is mentoring Shreve, added that they also met with airport officials and submitted a plan to the city in order to receive approval for the event.