OkcPets Magazine March 2021

38 OKC Pets • March/April 2021 Get ready for a new dog adventure and support great causes! Are you and your pup ready to run and have some fun in the great outdoors? No matter your fitness level, Muddy Buddies 2021 is a perfect way to bond with your pet. Originally planned for various dates in 2020 but delayed due to Covid, the Muddy Buddy Run is the first of its kind in the OKC area. It is a non- timed race event and obstacle course you get to do alongside your canine buddy. All obstacles are designed for both man and canine. You and your dog will be able to test your stamina and agility as you make your way through trails, creek crossings and mud pits to conquer more than 20 obstacles, including sand trails, pyramids, tunnels, mazes, mud crawls and the infamous “Miss Piggy’s” Mud Pit (don’t worry; dog and human rinse- off stations are available!). ​All sizes, shapes, ages, energy and fitness levels of dogs (and humans) are welcome, says Daniel Price, owner of The Water Bark canine aquatic center and sponsor of the event. You can run or walk the 5K course as you complete each obstacle. There are even bail-out trails if you’re “dog-tired” and need to quit. The main purpose is to have fun and make memories with your dog. “There will be people who want to see how fast they can do it,” Price says, “but we are not doing any timing or scoring. It is just something to finish, be proud you finished and have fun. I just can’t wait to get out there and get muddy!” The fun continues after the run with a tailgate party, including music, food, vendors, rescues and adoptable dogs—all are welcome regardless of race participation. Muddy Buddies 2021 will be held at Choctaw Creek Park, Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Second Chance Animal Sanctuary, Oliver and Friends Rescue Farm & Sanctuary, Mutt Misfits and Country Roads Animal Rescue. All four rescue organizations have brought rescued dogs to The Water Bark for therapy and recreational swim, so they are especially close to The Water Bark team’s heart. At the tailgate, you can visit the dogs that inspired the event, learn their stories and enjoy how far they have come by overcoming their own “obstacles.” Individual race entry is $40, and proof of vaccination is required for dogs. To register and learn more, visit muddybuddiesrun.com. Safety precautions will be in effect with face coverings and social dis- tancing, but a virtual race option is also available for those not comfortable coming to the live event. For questions, email muddybuddiesrun2021@gmail.com or thewaterbark@gmail.com. MUDDY BUDDIES 2021 Foot and Paw Obstacle Course Run HOSTED BY THE WATER BARK