Houndin’ around this Sunday

This Sunday, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine students host the community’s first Houndin’ Around With Josh and Friends, a fun-in-the-sun fundraiser for canines’ and their companions.

At Houndin’ Around, pups and their people can compete in a Doggie Olympics that include highest jumper, biggest ears, owner look-alike, best trick, and biggest LSU fan contests. The event also features Baton Rouge K-9 demonstrations, pictures with Raising Cane’s mascot, kids’ activities, live music and food.

Tickets are required for each event or activity and range from the $1-per-ticket mutt package to the $20-for-25-ticket Great Dane package.

Third-year student and Houndin’ Around committee chair Kathleen Elstrott says student association created the fundraiser as part of a national initiative by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) to support the Josh and Friends Project.

The Knoxville-based program aims to soothe anxious hospitalized children with Josh, a hypo-allergenic stuffed golden retriever (who comes in his own doghouse carrying case) and a book chronicling his adventures during examination, diagnostics, surgery and recovery at an animal hospital. Proceeds from the Sunday’s event will be used to purchase Josh kits for the local CMN affiliate, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

“We already have a pet therapy program,” explains OLOL Child Life Manager Sharon Wesberry. “LSU Tiger HATS brings dogs to visit patients three times a month. We plan to distribute the Josh kits to children with the appropriate reading level during pet therapy visits.”

Houndin’ Around debuts on October 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on Skip Bertman Drive. All dogs must have proof of current vaccinations and be leashed at all times. No female dogs in heat or aggressive dogs are allowed.

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