TulsaPets Magazine July 2021

July/August 2021 • TulsaPets 37 P arkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic has been serving Tulsans since 1959. While much has changed through the years, its mission remains: to provide outstanding mental health and support services. One of those services is the patient assistance program, “By Your Side,” which benefits Parkside’s most vulnerable patients and their families. Oftentimes, explains Fundraising Director Derek Frazier, pa- tients struggle with holding down a job and earn less than $10,000 per year, and that’s where the patient assistance program comes in to help provide food, clothing assistance, school supplies, transportation to and from treatment appointments, and even books to encourage reading and feed active minds. In previous years, the By Your Side 5K and Fun Run happened without officially including dogs, but Frazier says they decid- ed to make the event stand out in 2019 by adding a dog theme. “People usually bring their dogs any- way,” Frazier says. “So we wanted to do something that put a focus on families and not just the two-legged variety. There’s not a lot of runs out there that focus on bringing your pets. So we wanted to make it pet-centric. We did it in 2019 with great success.” Due to the pandemic, the 2020 By Your Side event was virtual, but Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m., it’s time once again to lace up the sneakers, grab the leash, and bring Fido and the whole family out for a great cause—the 10th annual By Your Side event, live and in person. The event will be held at Mohawk Park, near Shelter #3. The popular race course features no hills and is chip timed for com- petitive runners (USATF sanctioned event). The first 150 registrants in the 5K will receive a free “tech” shirt, with event logo cotton T-shirts for all others while supplies last. Awards will be given to the top male and female overall finishers and the first three in standard age groups. Around the course there will be cool-off stations and dog water bowls. In addition to the 5K, fun run and dog walk, there will be numerous pet contests, including a costume contest for dogs and owners, contests for cutest and ugliest dogs, and even a contest for dogs that look like their owners. However, regarding the dog walk, every dog’s a winner—all dogs will receive a participation medal. Plus, there will be live music and kids’ activities. Imagine your pooch receiving his first medal—what a great photo op and fun memory all while benefiting Parkside’s patients and their families. To sign up for the event, visit runsignup. com/Race/OK/Tulsa/ByYourSideRun. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit parksideinc.org/about-us/ by-your-side-run/. For all other updates, follow on Facebook @BYSRun. Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic’s 2021 BY YOUR SIDE 5K & 1-Mile Dog Walk/Fun Run ‘Bring the whole family … and your dog!’