Residents in MU’s Comparative Medicine Program organized and conducted a virtual 5K run to support Homes for Animal Heroes, a nationwide network that works with the research community to find loving, permanent homes for retired research animals that contributed to biomedical research.
A virtual 5k allows participation from virtually anywhere: a neighborhood, a local park, a beach, a track, or even a treadmill. Participants were encouraged to run, walk or jog with their pets, families, co-workers, or friends, and to raise money to support the rehoming effort. Mizzou Woof Pack supported the virtual 5K and decided to hold a formal event and run the 5K together on May 21 at the Katy Trail State Park Rocheport trailhead.
Team members formed the Woof Pack in order to combine forces, raise more money and make a bigger difference together than they could as individuals. The team’s Run for Research Awareness fundraising Facebook page facilitated donations to Homes for Animal Heroes. Mizzou Woof Pack is currently the nation’s No. 2 fundraising team in the event.
“Our fundraiser goal was $1,500 and we surpassed it,” said Willie Bidot, a graduate student in biomedical sciences/comparative medicine emphasis and a member of the Woof Pack. “We have raised $2,730 so far, and we are still taking donations through June 30. Homes for Animal Heroes set an overall goal of $50,000, and they are within $5,000 of reaching that goal.”
“The University of Missouri has a very diverse research program that is committed to the humane care and use of animals in research and teaching,” said Bidot. “Our Comparative Medicine Program is always looking for ways to improve research awareness and to educate the public on animals in a research setting. Homes for Animal Heroes has been on the forefront sharing knowledge and creating awareness on this subject. They have also established a great rehoming network that encourages and assists institutions in fostering or adopting out research animals of various species. We decided to donate and run for this great cause because we are very passionate about what we do, want the public to be well informed, and want our animal heroes to find great homes.”
The Comparative Medicine Program trains students to advance human and animal health through animal medicine research. Students in the program may pursue either a master’s degree or PhD. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers including comparative medicine research, clinical and administrative laboratory animal medicine, or comparative and diagnostic laboratory animal pathology.
The Homes for Animal Heroes network is directed and operated by the National Animal Interest Alliance, a broad-based animal welfare organization founded in 1991 and based in Portland, Oregon. The University of Missouri recently announced that it is partnering with Homes for Animal Heroes to expand its adoption program.
The MU College of Veterinary Medicine is Missouri’s only institution that confers the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Thank you for exploring how you can partner with us to make a positive difference in the lives of animals and people.