Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine has established and developed a chapter of the IRONDOG 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. In today's economy, it occurs too often that animals are not provided life saving care because it is not affordable, even if treatment options are available.

This program has been very successful at its founding institution, Michigan State University, in assisting the local community. Several success stories can be read at www.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, and 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 IRONDOG Fund works locally to generate a funding stream for cases in need. This includes, but is not limited to, hospital and college derived donations, individual fund generation at sporting events, and sponsoring a 5K running / walking event on Saturday, October 21, 2017. The IRONDOG Fund emphasizes physical activity and healthy lifestyles for you and your companions!

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

***If you are bringing your dog, please make sure to bring a leash and proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination status!***

T-shirt 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).

*To be guaranteed a race T-shirt, please register by October 3rd, 2017.*

***If you are bringing your dog, please make sure to bring a leash and proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination status to be presented at the on-site registration table!***

Please visit our Iowa State University Foundation page for further donations - choose 'ISU IRONDOG Fund' under the 'Gift Designations' section:
http://www.foundation.iastate.edu/vetmed

Please visit our website for more information: www.isuirondog.weebly.com

For event related questions please click on the "Contact the Organizers" button on the left-hand side of this page.