Animal Trustees of Austin

In a Tough Economy, Scholarship Program Keeps Dogs in their Homes and Out of Shelters

AUSTIN, Tex. (Nov.8, 2011) ….. The Canine Center for Training and Behavior will host the fourth annual “Run Like the Wind” fundraiser on Dec. 3, a chip-timed 3 hour to 24 hour ultra-run, 5K and Kids Run to benefit the Schrodi Memorial Training Fund, a scholarship program with a 95 percent success rate in keeping dogs in their homes and out of shelters. The Schrodi Fund is administered by Animal Trustees of Austin.
“Behavior problems top the list of reasons people surrender their dogs to shelters, especially now in a tough economy,” said Shari Elkins, founder of the Schrodi Memorial Fund and director of training at the Canine Center for Training and Behavior. “Run Like the Wind” encourages everybody to help keep good dogs in their homes. Not only do long-distance runners get a marathon-caliber event; there’s fun for everybody else too.”

Kids, dogs, runners, walkers: Sweat a little (or not) for a terrific cause

“Run Like the Wind” is an opportunity for people of all ages (and their dogs) to have fun competing for a great cause. Ultra-runs of varying length – 3, 6, 9, 12 or 24 hours are chip timed, while walkers, runners and kids each have events of their won. Events take place on The Canine Center’s beautiful soft mulch-surfaced one-kilometer trail.

Runners: 5K “Run Like the Wind” (with or without dog) at 8:00 a.m.
Walkers: 5K “Walk Like the Breeze” (with or without dog) at 9:00 a.m.
Kids: KIDS K (no dogs, please) at 10:00 a.m.
Long Distance Runners: Chip-timed runs/relays (3, 6, 9, 12, 24 hours) at 10:30 a.m.

In addition to the competitions, the event features an auction, great food from Professional Chef Sam Voltaggio and, for tired pooches, massage:

Best Bid Auction from 8 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Canine Massage from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Event fees range from $15.00 (KIDS K) to $315.00 (24-hour chip-timed team run). Register online, by mail to the Schrodi Fun, Post Office Box 40178, Austin, TX 78704, or at the event. Schrodi Fund t-shirts that sport original art work by Laura Jackson are also available.

We get by with a little help from our friends

Sponsors who have lined up to support “Run Like the Wind include:
• The Austin Chronicle • The Natural Gardner
• Cracker Dog • Opal Divine’s Austin Grill
• Firecracker Dog • Ruta Maya Coffee
• Herbalife • The New World Bakery
• Hill Country Running Co. • Stream Realty

About the Schrodi Fund

The Schrodi Fund was created in 2008 by Shari Elkins in memory of her dog Schrodi, whose rowdy behavior led Shari, educated as a physicist, into dog training. The Schrodi Fund is open to everybody and their dogs, regardless of the dog’s age or breed. In 2010, “Run Like the Wind” awarded 80 training scholarships. Selection criteria are based on financial need and the type of training required. Applications are available online.

A great place to have an event
The Canine Center for Training and Behavior teaches people how to have the dog they want to have – whether it’s basic obedience skills, sports, behavior, or living downtown. The Canine Center’s team of professional trainers takes a positive, non-intimidating approach to helping owners learn to communicate, reinforce and reward the behavior they expect from their pets. It is the region’s foremost authority in dealing with aggressive, fearful, and problem canines. We offer the broadest range of expertise, activities and professional services including basic obedience, special needs, a wide range of sports and adventure-based getaways and vacations. The Canine Center is located just north of the “Y” in Oak Hill under beautiful, lighted and tree-covered grounds.