Be Nice Campaign Takes Flight with 5K Run
Raises Awareness for Protecting Majestic Animals
By Pamela Hall
Ashland Beacon
Have you ever wondered what happens when a wild bird has an injury? If they are found, can they be treated and released back into the wild?
Guardian Animal Medical Center in Flatwoods has been successful in treating and rehabilitating wild birds such as owls, hawks, kestrels, and other birds of prey. However, a new flight cage is needed at the facility in order to make their recovery complete.
To assist in the cost of a flight cage, Guardian Animal Medical Center is having a 5k run or 1 mile walk called “Paw Walk”. The event will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 8 a.m. and is open to participants of all ages. The cost is $25 and registration may be made online at https://tristateracer.com/race/12158.
Those who are participating will receive an aqua t-shirt with a unique design. The stunning shirt depicts a hawk fearlessly taking on the “unkindness” of the world. Wearing the shirt will help to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving these majestic animals.
“We came up with this year's race shirt after weeks of thought and input,” Dr. M. J. Wixsom said. Dr. Wixsom is the veterinarian who owns the animal hospital and treats the birds. “For the last two years,” she continued, “the hawk on the shirt has been swooping down on a mouse with ‘COVID’ written on it. The shirt designers recommended we stay with the hawk theme, but change the mouse.”
The shirt’s new design reinforces a message that Dr. Wixsom recently began to stress heavily on Facebook. She started a campaign about being nice and showing kindness to others. That is certainly a message of which everyone needs to be reminded.
“We had lots of suggestions, but none really fit,” Dr. Wixsom explained. “The suggestions were too limited, too vague, too political, or too unimportant. Then I started the “Be Nice” campaign on Facebook and that led to this year's shirt design.”
The course for the event, starting, of course, at Guardian Animal Medical Center, is a flat terrain journey for the first mile that loops back to the facility. The walkers will navigate that part of the course. For those participating in the 5k portion, the course will continue down the hill to Giovanni’s and back up the hill to the facility.
There is also a virtual aspect of the event for those who wish to complete the race from the comfort of home.
“Whether you're an avid runner, a leisurely walker, or prefer the comfort of your couch,” Dr. Wixsom stated, “we have an option for everyone to get involved and contribute to a worthy cause.”
So, grab your sneakers and rally your friends and family and come to “Paw Walk” at Guardian Animal Medical Center, Saturday, May 20 at 8 a.m. Register at https://tristateracer.com/race/12158. Together, we can make a difference for our feathered friends.