Dog 5k and festival Saturday

Some festivals are for bipedals, as are some marathons. But two happening Saturday are going to the dogs — literally.The Carson City Animal Services will be holding its second annual Carson Animal Rescue Event while the Carson Animal Services Initiative will be holding its first 5K9 Fun Run and Walk.The Rescue Event will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Carson Animal Services parking lot at 3770 Butti Way.“It’s a chance for us to get animal-related people together,” said Tonya Ruffner, volunteer coordinator.The 5K9 Fun Run and Walk registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Riverview Park. The race starts at 10 a.m., said Lisa Schuette, Carson Animal Services Initiative chairwoman.“We’re tying (the run) in with the shelter’s open house,” she said.The fun run and walk is for both people and for dogs. The walk will have two dog aid stations, with water and bones, and one human aid station.“It’s running for a good cause,” she said, referring to the effort to build a new animal shelter.Schuette said she is hoping for 40 runners, although 20 have already signed up.The cost to join the race is $20 per person, $10 for each additional person and dogs run free, although on leashes, she said.The first male dog to cross the line will win a special prize, as well as the first female dog.The Service Initiative’s goal is $2 million and they’ve already collected $50,000 she said.The 5K9 will end in Riverview Park and adjourn to the Rescue Event in the Animal Services parking lot, Schuette said.The Rescue Event has 10 booths of trainers, rescuers and other organizations already signed up but there is room for more, Ruffner said.Pet adoptions will be open the length of the event. Puppies Up for Parole dogs also will be on show for adoption.“We’re looking for more animal-related businesses or people to come (set up booths,)” Ruffner said.More information on the run is at friendsofcasi.org and for more information on the Carson Animal Rescue Event, call Ruffner at 775-887-2171.