Tuesday, May 11, 2010

TriMet Welcomes Dogs for OHS Doggie Dash


Rapid transit comes to the aid of our canine friends once a year for the Oregon Humane Society's Doggie Dash event in downtown Portland. Although four-legged passengers are usually off-limits on TriMet, the Portland-area transit agency is partnering with OHS to make May 15th a dog-friendly day for train riders.

The occasion? The 23rd Annual Doggie Dash, which takes place 7:30 am to 1:00 pm at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. OHS expects 6,000 people and 2,000 dogs at Portland’s largest party for pets and people. Naito Parkway will be closed to cars from 8:00 am to 10:30 am as thousands of animal lovers and their dogs run and walk to raise money for OHS.

TriMet riders can bring their dogs to Doggie Dash on any TriMet MAX train until 2 pm on May 15th. Riders should be going to or from Doggie Dash (bring your registration reciept). Regular fares apply to riders, but dogs ride free! Dog owners need to follow these rules: dogs must be under the owner’s control (leash or in a crate ); dogs must be wearing a head collar such as Gentle Leader or wear a muzzle; dogs need to wear an ID tag that includes the owner's contact information; and dogs and riders can use only the rear of a two-car train. Note: dogs are allowed on TriMet trains only.

The MAX rail stop nearest to Doggie Dash is at SW Oak and 1st Avenue, just two blocks away from the main registration tent in Waterfront Park near the intersection of SW Stark and Naito Parkway. For complete TriMet fares and schedules, visit www.trimet.org. Participants can register for Doggie Dash as early as 7:30 am the day of the event, or can register online at www.oregonhumane.org/doggiedash. Advance registration is $25; day-of registration is $30.

Once riders arrive at Doggie Dash they can enjoy a pancake breakfast, live music, contests and more. For complete details on line visit www.oregonhumane.org/doggiedash.

Doggie Dash is presented by Lithia Subaru of Oregon City. Sponsors include, Banfield, The Pet Hospital; Pedigree; Sergeant's; Fred Meyer; Witham & Dickey; boly:welch; Mars Veterinary; KATU; The Oregonian and K103-fm.

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