Two dog-friendly 5K races this weekend for your dog who needs some goals in life

Rescue Me 5K

Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: McAlpine Creek Park
Cost: $35 for owners, $5 for dogs

The American Pit Bull Foundation’s inaugural Rescue Me 5K race is a scenic run along McAlpine Creek. Post-race festivities include a dog training demo from UberDog and a dog Halloween costume contest. Don’t have a dog of your own? No worries. You can still run, and APBF’s rescue dogs and puppies will be on site for adoptions if you’re looking for a new family member. They’ll also be offering American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for dogs who can pass the 9-point behavioral test ($25).

Proceeds from the Rescue Me 5K benefit Operation Sidekick, an APBF program that trains rescued pit bulls as service dogs to be paired with military veterans suffering from PTSD and depression. Money will help fund training, vaccinations, vet bills and veteran approvals.

Hound Dog Hustle

Date: Sunday, October 18
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Sedgefield Park
Cost: $25

Organized by Love That Dog obedience trainer Katy Johnson, the 2nd annual Hound Dog Hustle winds through Sedgefield between Park Road and South Boulevard. Proceeds benefit Carolina Bassett Hound Rescue, which has rescued and rehomed more than 2,000 dogs since it was founded in 1993.

Although these two races benefit breed-specific rescue organizations, any well-behaved dog is welcome to run with its owner. Here are some tips from the American Pit Bull Foundation on safe 5K event running with your dog:

• Dogs must be 6 months old and up to date on vaccines
• Only register a dog that is comfortable around other dogs and people
• Dogs must be leashed at all times on a maximum 6-foot lead (no retractable leashes)
• Clean up after your dog
• Start at the back of the pack so as not to interfere with the dogless runners
• If your dog is young, old or otherwise unable to complete 3 full miles, know when to stop. Race officials reserve the right to stop you if your dog appears to be in danger.

My puppy Charlie and I will be bringing up the rear at the Rescue Me 5K on Saturday. He’s been training the whole six months of his life for this moment.

(Photo credits: APBF sign and patriotic dog via Facebook. CBHR trio of hounds and Hound Dog Hustle finish line via Facebook.)