2025 RACE at Your Own Pace to #ShadeOutDM - "Together we can Wipe-Out DM"

🐾 Baroooo! Welcome Everypawdy! 🐾
We’re tail-wagging excited that you’re joining us for this year’s RACE at Your Own Pace to #ShadeOutDM!

This year, we're doing things a little differently - and we can't wait to see how YOU Bark Out Loud for the pups! Our goal? To quadruple the awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) by inspiring dog lovers everywhere to take action alongside you.
Because let's face it - everyone knows at least one dog lover!

This year’s design gives you new and creative ways to build your own community, honor dogs past and present, and help prevent this heartbreaking disease.

 
🌟 Event Details

• Location: Wherever you are! It’s virtual—walk, run, ride, or roll from your own neighborhood.
• Dates:  November 9-16, 2025
• Registration: FREE! (But we kindly suggest a $25 donation to help us continue our mission.)
• Walker Packet, FAQs, and More: Scroll below for full details!

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 🐶 Why We RACE

Because some pups can’t - and we can!
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a devastating disease, but the good news is it’s preventable through proper genetic testing prior to breeding. Together, we’re barking out loud to spread awareness and save future pups.

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🚶🏽‍♀️ Ways to Participate

Choose your style - move your way!

🏃 Competitive Runners

• Fastest 5K in a single day
• Most miles run total over the week
  (Submit your times using the link emailed to all registered runners.)

🚶 Competitive Walkers

• Longest distance walked in a single day (tie-breaker: fastest time)
• Most miles walked total over the week
  (Submit your results via the form emailed to all registered walkers.)

🐕 Dog Jog

• Are you already walking your dog daily? Make it count by participating virtually with your pup(s)!

🐾 Couch Dog

• Don’t want to go out, but still want to cheer us on? This is your moment! Every event needs a barking fan club - and we know a few pups who’d rather bark from the window. WOOF, BORK, WOOF!

🚴 Cruisin’ for Dogs

• Bike, motorcycle, scooter, skateboard, roller skates, wheelchair, horse - you name it, ride it!
  🏆 Awards for the farthest total distance ridden in each category.

🏊‍♂️ Swimmers & Surfers for Dogs  Swim or Surf for the cause!

• Furthest distance swam over the full week
• Most consecutive days surfed over the week

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👕 How to Get Your Official RACE T-Shirt

Only participants who raise $100 or more will receive an official Shade Out DM Race T-Shirt!
This reward is based on individual fundraising totals - not team totals or general donations—so be sure your donations are credited to your personal page!

🎯 Make it your goal to earn a shirt, and challenge your friends, family, and coworkers to earn theirs too!

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📌 How to Sign Up

1. Register Online
   Choose to support an existing team or start your own.
2. Start a Warrior Team
   If your dog has taken or is taking the DM journey, start a Warrior Team in their honor. (You don't have to have a pup with DM to start a team, Teams can be Advocacy, Corporate, Rescues, Schools, Clubs, etc.)
3. Get Your Bib
   You’ll receive a race bib via email (check spam or log into your profile).
4. Strike a Pose!
   Snap a photo of your pup (or stuffed animal!) wearing sunglasses and your race bib.
5. Post & Tag!
   Share on social media during race week and tag #ShadeOutDM in ALL your posts!
   (Let’s flood the feed and get people asking, “What’s DM?”)

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🧬 About Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

DM is often called the canine version of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). It’s a progressive, genetic disease affecting the spinal cord and over 100 dog breeds (& mixed breeds now too). Symptoms usually appear between ages 8-14, starting with ONE hind-leg weakness & loss of coordination, eventually leading to full paralysis, incontinence, organ failure, and respiratory failure all while their mind is still fully aware.

The tragedy?

• Many vets still don’t know about DM
• It’s often misdiagnosed
• It’s entirely preventable with genetic testing

DM is on the rise - NOW is the time to speak up for the pups!

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💜 About Shade Out DM Foundation

Shade Out DM Foundation is a 100% volunteer-run, registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are dedicated to:
📚 Educating ~ 💬 Supporting ~ ♿ Loaning ~ 📣 Advocating

Our Mission:
To improve the health and well-being of dogs affected by DM while preventing future cases through awareness and education.

Your Support Helps:

• Fund KC’s Kruisers Loaner Cart Program for dogs in need
• Attend veterinary and breed-specific conferences
• Contribute to DM research
• Provide awareness materials and educational outreach

All proceeds go directly toward these efforts.
🌐 Donate at: www.shadeoutdm.org

 
Let’s RACE to #ShadeOutDM—because no dog should suffer needlessly.
Together, we can make a difference. 💜🐾