REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Chamber of Commerce Dog Jog is back and with an ambitious goal of raising $4,000, double the amount of last year's event, to help benefit the Redlands Animal Shelter.
The Cause: All proceeds raised at the Dog Jog are donated to help support the Redlands Animal Shelter's mission to protect and provide excellent care to lost stray or unwanted animals.
Details: The pet-friendly jog will take place on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m., with the route starting on State Street in Downtown Redlands. Participants and their pets will complete the route, ending their journey with a lively celebration at the park situated between the A.K. Smiley Public Library and the Lincoln Shrine.
The festivities will feature vendors with a variety of goods located near the finish line. Attendees can also look forward to a costume contest to see which pup has the best outfit.
Last year, the event raised $2,000, and 30 water bowls and hundreds of shirts were donated. This year, the Redlands Chamber of Commerce has set a goal to double the amount raised in 2022. All are welcome to attend the event, and pets are not required.
L: Dogs participate in the costume contest. R: Chamber of Commerce presents check to Redlands Animal Shelter. Photos: Courtesy of Redlands Chamber of Commerce
Zoom out: In 2022, the San Bernardino County Grand Jury investigated the Redlands Animal Shelter due to poor conditions at the shelter. Central concerns of the investigation included the deterioration of the facility, resulting in low-quality care, overcrowding, the lack of a full-time permanent shelter manager, the absence of a volunteer program, and budgetary problems, among others.
Since the investigation, the shelter has made strides to improve conditions. More staff has been hired, including an Animal Services Supervisor, the volunteer program has been restarted after a prolonged pause because of the pandemic, viewings and interactions are no longer by appointment only, and renovations have been made to the building.
The Redlands Animal Shelter was not unique in its struggle. Shelters across the country have reported being at capacity and experiencing overcrowding. A 2022 survey conducted by Best Friends Animal Society of more than 150 shelters found that 88% experienced staffing shortages. According to the Humane Society, the top three ways to help your local shelter are to adopt a pet, donate, or volunteer.
Moving forward: Check-in for the jog will begin at 9 a.m. on Oct. 22. Participants can also register and check in ahead of time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at the Redlands Chamber of Commerce office.
If interested, secure a spot by purchasing tickets through the Chamber’s website. Tickets for Chamber members are $25 and $30 for general admission. Children under 18 and pets can attend the event for free.
Sponsors of the Dog Jog are Burgeson’s HVAC, Electrical, Solar, & Plumbing, Barich & Associates, The Rochford Foundation, Redlands Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, ForeverLawn PC, Teledyne, Redlands Community Hospital, SGH Architects, Pet Hospital of Redlands + Urgent Care, Alta Vista Credit Union, The Results Group and Raising Canes Redlands.
