The Georgia Volunteer Chapter for Canine Companions for Independence will host their sixth annual fundraiser, Athens Run for the Dogs, in Athens, Georgia. It will be held at Sandy Creek Park, 400 Bob Hollman Road on Saturday, September 13, 2008.

The event will include a 5K race for runners and a 1-mile fun run and walk for people and their dogs. Dogs may participate in all but the 5K race. The entrance fee for race participants is $22 per person in advance and $27 per person the day of the event. Dogs can participate with their owners for free. The entrance fee includes a t-shirt for registered humans and a bandana for participating dogs. Check-in and registration will start at 8:00 a.m. and races will begin at 9:00 a.m.

In addition to the races there will be a raffle with the top prize of $500.00 in cash. Tickets are $2.00 each. There will also be a silent auction. Other activities include testing for AKC Canine Good Citizenship and Therapy Dogs International, games for people and their dogs, pet-related vendors and entertainment. All proceeds from the event will benefit Canine Companions for Independence.

For more information about the Athens Run for the Dogs and/or to obtain a registration form, become a sponsor, become a volunteer, order raffle tickets, and/or see list of silent auction items, please visit www.athensrunforthedogs.org or www.caninecompanions.org.

Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. The Southeast Region of Canine Companions for Independence serves the eight states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi.