Woofstock Survivor 5K & Dog Walk returns to Fishers to raise funds for animals in need

Sponsored by Canine Cloud Nine & Smitten Kitten Cat Café

The annual Woofstock Survivor 5K & Dog Walk is the event pet lovers and running enthusiasts won’t want to miss. Join the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) at Four Day Ray in Fishers this Saturday, Aug. 10, for this festive 5K supporting HSHC’s Survivor Program.

The Woofstock Survivor 5K & Dog Walk welcomes two- and four-legged participants to run, walk, or jog through downtown Fishers to help sick and injured animals in need. Race participants will receive a groovy T-shirt, flower power finisher medal, and post-run refreshments. Participants are invited to stick around after the 5K to visit with vendors, grab an event selfie, and meet adoptable dogs.

As an open-admission, truly no-kill shelter, HSHC’s Survivor Program takes in abused, neglected, and abandoned animals and helps them through care and recovery until they are healthy enough to find their forever homes. In addition to healing some of the most severe cases, the program funds the costs associated with rescuing animals at risk of euthanasia in surrounding shelters.

“Animal welfare is difficult and heart-wrenching. Every day we see some of the worst medical cases in Hamilton County and the state,” Community Engagement Manager Lily Darling said. “As an open-admission, truly no-kill shelter, our Survivor Program and the support of our community, allows us to provide second chances to animals who otherwise wouldn’t have them.”

You can help by donating, registering for the race, or fundraising at this link. Fundraise at least $55 and receive a free race entry, T-shirt, and finisher medal. Top youth, individual, corporate, and team fundraisers will be awarded different prizes as well as overall 5K winners and age group winners.

The Woofstock Survivor 5K & Dog Walk is graciously sponsored by Curran Architecture, Four Day Ray, Current Publishing, Fetch Pet, Centier Bank, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc., and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Too cute to take just one; they come as a set

The Survivor Program funds all lifesaving and emergency care for about 70 percent of the animals who come through HSHC’s doors each year. With roughly 4,000 animals coming in, over half of those animals directly benefit from the Survivor Program. Because of HSHC’s no-kill mission, they believe every life is precious and worth saving.

That being said, HSHC’s Survivor Fund, which is needed to pay for this medical care, has been completed depleted. Without the Survivor Fund, animals like Caroline and Fetty wouldn’t be here today.

Photo provided by Humane Society for Hamilton County

Caroline (left) and Fetty (right) are not from the same litter. Caroline was brought in as an owner surrender and Fetty came in as a stray. Both lived alone in separate cages, and both had to undergo surgery to remove infected eyes. While Caroline had both her eyes removed, Fetty was able to keep one. At some point during their recovery, Caroline snuck out of her cage and into Fetty’s cage. She didn’t know him from Adam, yet she sought his comfort. Fetty has since become her eye and her comfort. The two have become inseparable and will go to a forever home together. Without the Survivor Program, these two wouldn’t have found each other.

Should people wish to help fund the lifesaving care for animals like Caroline and Fetty, they can register for the race, fundraise, or donate at this link.