Last weekend, the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society hosted its third annual Race to Rescue BDCHS 5K & 1 Mile Dog Jog at the Earle May Boat Basin and raised more than $5,000.

Seminole County resident Nicole Touchton organized the race as a fundraiser for the Humane Society’s new shelter, which will address several problems the organization is currently facing like overcrowding, leaky roofs and poor insulation. Every year, the shelter accommodates thousands of animals that are either found or relinquished in the area.

The race doubled its fundraising efforts from last year with a haul of $5,200 raised for the new shelter.

Just over 50 participants came out to support the cause, and many of the canine participants were ex-shelter dogs of the BDCHS. The BDCHS also brought some adoptable dogs to the event and volunteers walked with them in the 1 Mile Dog Jog.

“Dogs, like humans, are very social creatures,” Touchton said in a news release. “With very few dog-friendly events in Decatur Co., it was exciting to see all the canine family members who were able to come out and enjoy the event with their owners and with new doggy pals.”

To inquire about pet adoption, or for more information on the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, call them at 229-246-0101. If you or your business would like to sponsor the 2016 Race to Recue BDCHS 5K & 1 Mile Dog Jog event, please contact Nicole Touchton at 229-254-3371.

The event was sponsored by many local businesses and individuals including: Griffin Sales & Service, Tristate Office Products, Bella’s Boutique, Sea Star Vacations, Billy Dollar: General Construction, Daniel W. White, DMD, Southwest Georgia Protocol School, Seminole Pole, Inc., McDaddy Motor Company, Jennifer DePappa & Bradley Warren, Animal House of Bainbridge, Amy Schmeling, Buster Nichols, Health Products & Yogurt Too, Seminole Fitness, Bainbridge Vision Clinic, Rodney A. Prince, CPA, Apalachee Bay Family Dental, and Tuten Chiropractic.