Local nonprofit holds Cove Pup Run or Walk 5k

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

Saturday was for the dogs this weekend as Not Rich But Enriched Inc (NRBE) hosted their first Cove Pup Run or Walk 5k.

Participants for the 5k gathered around the pavilion nearest the Raising Cane’s dog park in City Park. At 10 a.m., participants in the run/walk took off, circling their way around the park, many running alongside their faithful four-legged companions while others pushed their pups in carts or strollers. There were several treat and water stations throughout the route.

Robert Sanchez and his Australian Shephard, Bonita, were the fastest finishers of Saturday’s 5k. Bonita raced alongside her owner for most of the race, but for the final section, Sanchez carried her on his shoulders across the finish line.

“I didn’t think she was going to make it…but she made it. I wanted to get that special moment. She deserved it,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez said that his dog is fast, but this is her first time running in an event. He said that it was a great feeling to win the event along with his dog. He described Bonita as smart, funny, and hyper. He said that she loves to play. 

For winning the race, Sanchez and Bonita received the “Golden Leash” and a goodie bag with dog treats and toys.

“It was absolutely extraordinary how the community wanted to see this event happen,” said Nikki Whitworth-Reazola, founder of NRBE, who helped host the event. “I can’t stop smiling…Everybody’s just enjoying themselves. It’s so cool to see everyone happy and the dogs happy.”

Whitworth-Reazola s said that she was motivated to host the 5k after several members of the community expressed to her how much they wanted to have a 5k for their canine companions.

To help ensure the event’s success, they had several donations. Pet Supplies Plus and Sam’s Club donated treats and treat bags. Raising Cane’s donated gift baskets for the winners and some other items to give away. Cliff Sanchez, owner of The Coolest Air, was the title sponsor for the event.

“I’m very community driven with our business,” said Sanchez who enjoys sponsoring small, local events. “This one is special because I don’t have any animals of my own, and any time I get to go into a home I get my fix with the homeowner’s animals. I get to pet them…I think this is a unique event, especially for a small town.”

After the 5k, pets could enter a variety of fun contests. First up was Best Beard & Stache on a dog. The winner was Dixie who attended with her owner, Leilani Rodriguez.

Next was Best Trick won with an impressive display by Freya, owned by Gloria Fain. Following was a game of Musical Sit. Pups moved around to “Who Let the Dogs Out”. Whenever the music stopped, all of the owners had to get their dogs to sit. Whoever took the longest was out. Ultimately, in a match determined by mere seconds, Huck, owned by Matthew Foyt was declared the winner.

The final competition was for Best Costume won by Udonatah, a Great Dane who was adorned with a saddle and a tiny rider. Udonatah is owned by Terri Homan.

Homan recently had her third knee surgery and Udonatah had surgery on his knee to repair his ACL, so she was extra proud that the two of them were able to complete a lap around the park for the 5k.

“This is a good opportunity for the community to come together as a whole,” said Maria Negrete with the Negrete Firefighter Organization who helped support the event. Negrete said that the event had brought people all the way from Lampasas and Killeen. “It brings everyone together. We work together to better the community.”

Money raised by Saturday’s 5k will go towards future NRBE events such as the one being held April 11 and 12 which will ultimately raise funds for community projects.