Forge Racing Trail Running Club & Events and Companion Animal Alliance (CAA)* host a trail run series featuring the first-ever Parasite Jazz Funeral Saturday, March 28th. All events take place at BREC’s Hooper Road Park located at 6261 Guynell Drive.
Forge’s Headhunter Trail Races starts at 8:30 a.m. with a one-mile fun run followed by a 5K, 10K and half marathon. Runners can bring their canine companions on the course.
Afterward, at 11 a.m., CAA’s Parasite Jazz Funeral rolls with a live brass marching band and second-line parade complete with umbrellas, banners depicting the departed parasites, tombstones and tiny coffins.
While the family-oriented event is festive and fun, it has a serious purpose. As the nonprofit organization contracted to manage the city’s animal shelter, CAA treats many homeless and lost animals who suffer needlessly from damage done by heartworms, fleas, ticks and a host of intestinal parasites.
These parasites present a danger not only to shelter animals but to owned pets as well. Left untreated, these pests can threaten the lives of companion animals and even affect the health of non-furry family members.
The good news is: Effective preventive treatments are available and affordable. Depending on the variety of parasites they prevent, monthly costs range from $4 to $20—less than a family fast-food dinner, or a week’s worth of grande lattes.
“Because Louisiana has such great weather, pets here tend to spend more time outside,” says CAA staff veterinarian Alison Salmon, DVM. “That increases exposure to internal and external parasites transmitted from the environment or other animals.”
For race registration, visit forgeracing.net. For more information about the Parasite Jazz Funeral, visit caabr.org.
*Adrian E. Hirsch is the development director of Companion Animal Alliance.
These are among the many adoptable animals available through Companion Animal Alliance.
Creature Feature
Fawkner (#52906) is a pointer/terrier mix puppy, who recently entered the shelter. Like all pups, he will require a family with lots of love, energy and patience, who is willing to teach him to be a great canine companion.
Xenia (foster care) is a young Japanese bobtail/domestic shorthair mix with a calico coat and sparkling jade green eyes. At one month of age, Xenia and her brother came to the shelter after they had been living on the streets. Xenia may be shy at first; but, after a while, she will reward a new friend’s patience with the world’s loudest purr. In fact, this girl absolutely loves surprise her humans with random spurts of affection. At around 7 months now, this girl would fit nicely into any quiet household.
Marney (foster care) has a fuzzy coat and peppy personality that will immediately win your heart. Her previous owners relinquished Wheaten terrier/poodle mix because they were not active enough for a puppy. Marney loves to play with toys, wrestle with dogs 10 times her size and get attention from her people. For a puppy, she has a surprisingly big bark. Marney definitely needs an active household. She has never met a stranger and will play with children, dogs and cats. As with most puppies, it takes a lot to tire her out. But, with training, she will become the ideal companion.
Elih (foster care) is sweet girl with striking yellow eyes and a beautiful white and buff coat. When she first got into her foster home she was skin and bones, but she quickly compensated for her time without snacks. This girl’s favorite pastimes include playing with toys, laying on the couch and eating. Elih is the perfect blend of independence and affection—especially during meal times! She ignores dogs and would do well with other cats who share her laid-back disposition. At around 2 years old, this girl would be ideal for just about any mature household.
Jiminy’s (foster care) beautiful wire coat and cute little beard will immediately catch your eye. So, it’s hard to believe that when they moved, his previous owners abandoned this border terrier/hound mix. Fortunately, a neighbor happened to be an animal shelter foster and immediately took him in. Jiminy loves to play with other dogs and cuddle with humans. At 2 years old, this guy weighs 35 pounds, making him the perfect size for just about any inside household. Although playful and active, Jiminy wouldn’t mind apartment life with trips to the dog park. He would make an ideal playmate for another dog. All this guy really needs is a home to call his own.
Journey (foster care) is a Bombay/shorthair mix. This girl has a sweet, intelligent personality. Considering how loving she is with people, you would know Journey was surrendered due to her owner’s personal problems. This girl is so people oriented that she really just wants to sit on the couch with her humans and watch Netflix all the time. At around a year old, Journey would be ideal for an household with lots of love to give.
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Companion Animal Alliance. For more information, click here.
