Ark-Valley Humane Society is thrilled to announce our 7th annual Tails on The Trail 5K Walk/Run for the animals on Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. This dog and family-friendly event will be one you don’t want to miss!
“Tails on the Trail is a great way to celebrate our animal-loving community while supporting the life-saving work of Ark-Valley Humane Society,” said AVHS Executive Director Nikki Ritter, “We are thrilled to host the course on Tenderfoot hill for the second time and there will be an after party at the Salida SteamPlant!”
Pre-registration for Tails On The Trail is open now through Thursday, May 16 at https://www.ark-valley.org/events/tott/. Early bird registration fees are $45 for adults, $30 for youth, and free for children five and under. Those interested in participating can also sign up on race day, Saturday May 18th, between 9-9:45 a.m. at the F Street Parking lot near the caboose.
The race will begin at 10 a.m., starting on Hillside Drive, across the railroad tracks from the F Street bridge. Runners/walkers will follow an out and back course on Hillside Drive/CR 177/CR 176 with the turnaround at the parking lot/kiosk by the Frontside/Lil Rattler trailhead. The finish line will be at the Salida SteamPlant!
Post-race brunch will be provided by KalamataPit Catering. Face Painting and great fundraising games will all be at the Salida SteamPlant after party. Registered participants and family are welcome at the after party. Participants will also have access to event photos and an event t-shirt (while supplies last). For questions, please contact Emy Nettleblad at enettleblad@ark-valley.org.
About Ark-Valley Humane Society
Founded in 1991, Ark-Valley Humane Society advocates for the welfare of all animals through compassion and care. With a Live Release Rate of 97%, Ark-Valley Humane Society is dedicated to providing each animal with the care they deserve and the hope for a second chance. In 2023 AVHS sheltered 621 companion animals. Over 1,546 animals were helped through our programs & services. Our vision for the future is a safe and humane world for all companion animals.
A brief history on Loyal Duke, a loved dog who inspired this race:
This information was provided by Friends of Loyal Duke
In 1889, an American Water Spaniel named Duke made the Salida train depot his office; meeting and greeting the trains coming through. Duke would visit around town as well as wander up Tenderfoot Hill with visitors. Duke was adopted by the manager of the Hotel Monte Cristo, which sat right between the narrow-gauge tracks and the river. At the opera, the residents would let Duke in the back door and he’d take naps behind the curtain. He would go to dances, plays, and when he was young, he would even chase home run balls at the baseball games. Duke was Salida’s ambassador for 13 years; welcoming visitors and accompanying the locals. Loyal Duke passed away on October 2, 1902. His loyalty to the town earned him the name we remember him by now. -Loyal Duke.
