Rain dampens day, but the dogs still jog at PAWS Cedar Dog Jog in Charles City

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

The total numbers were a little lower this year because of rainfall that was heavy at times, but several dozen four-legged canines and their two-legged human friends still took part in the PAWS Cedar Dog Jog in Charles City on Saturday morning.

The annual 5K or 1-mile walk, jog or run along the river helped support animals still looking for homes.

The Cedar Dog Jog is typically the PAWS Humane Society’s biggest event, and the funds raised go to to day-to-day expenses and veterinary care of the animals.

Last year, the event was postponed until September because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a virtual option, called the “Quarantine Edition, was offered for those who hesitated to be part of a group event.

This year a virtual event was again offered to those who wanted to walk on their own — or perhaps not at all — but who still wanted to support PAWS and receive the entry premiums consisting of a colorful drawstring bag with the PAWS logo, a T-shirt and for participating dogs a choice of color bandana.

The route for the 5K went along the trail along the Cedar River to the suspension bridge; across the bridge to a loop around Park Drive and Chautauqua Avenue; back across the bridge and down Clark Street to Joslin Street, to Blunt Street, to Main Street; southwest on Main across the Main Street bridge, then to the pedestrian bridge; across the pedestrian bridge back to the trail on the north side of the river then back to the starting point.

A one-mile route was also be available, and watering stations were provided along the routes. Dog and puppy identification microchipping was again be offered this year.