Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is working to develop a chapter of the Iron Dog charity, which was created to support the medical and surgical management of animals hospitalized at the ISU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The goal of the fund is to financially assist in providing care for animals in cases where pet owners have to make difficult decisions based on financial considerations. It provides financial support to cases where curative options are available, but are not affordable. Too often in today's economy animals are not provided life saving care not because it is not available, but because it is not affordable.

This program has been very successful at MSU in assisting the local community. Several success stories can be read at irondogfund.org/success.php. Iowa State University has a group of interested and dedicated house officers, faculty, and staff that have worked many hours to develop this program and offer this service to our community here in Iowa. We recognize the financial constraints that some of our clients face at our hospital. There is currently no other funding source available to help offset the costs of cases where the only obstacles to successful outcomes are financial limitations. In addition, as this is a teaching institution, we feel an obligation to demonstrate for our students the role of the veterinarian as responsible, engaged members of our communities.

The Iowa State Chapter of the Iron Dog Fund will work locally to generate a funding stream for cases in need. This will include, but is not limited to, hospital and college derived donations, individual fund generation at sporting events, and sponsoring a 5 K running / walking event on Saturday, October 12, 2013. The Iron Dog Fund emphasizes physical activity and healthy lifestyles of our companions as well as ourselves.

Join us for our 1st Annual Irondog Fun Run 5k at Ada Hayden, Ames, IA and bring your dog to run or walk with you!

Packet pick-up will be on race day from 7:30-8:30 AM so everyone is ready to go at 9 AM. There will be a registration site set up in the shelter next to the start line by the North parking lot. Race day registrations are welcome for a fee of $30 (cash or check only please).