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The La Crosse Area Family YMCA in collaboration with the Coulee Region Humane Society and area animal clinics are launching Healthy People Healthy Pets, a three-month initiative aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles for people and their pets.

Healthy People Healthy Pets is a program that promotes overall wellness including exercise, healthy eating and healthy body weight. People will learn how to better care for themselves and their pets through the information shared with them, with an emphasis on proper diet and exercise.

The YMCA will kick off this event by hosting the initial check-in on Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. at the YMCA-La Crosse parking lot at 1140 Main St.

Everyone in the community is encouraged and welcome to participate in Healthy People Healthy Pets. To participate, fill out a registration form found at either YMCA locations or at the Coulee Region Humane Society. Registration is free and open to the public. Participation in this initiative includes coming to monthly check-ins with YMCA staff and local veterinarian clinics, keeping a diary and exercising.

Participating veterinarians include representatives from Central Animal Hospital, Hillside Animal Hospital and Van Loon Animal Hospital.

At the initial check-in on May 3, the recommended weight range for both people and pets will be determined and a goal will be set for program. The YMCA will assist people with goals, and local veterinarians will assist with pets’ goals.

The dates, locations, and times for check-ins are as follows:

May 3: YMCA-La Crosse, 9 a.m.

May 27: Coulee Region Humane Society, 5:30 p.m.

May 31: Coulee Region Humane Society, 9 a.m.

June 24: Coulee Region Humane Society, 5:30 p.m.

June 28: Coulee Region Humane Society, 9 a.m.

Aug. 9: Coulee Region Humane Society’s Bark in the Park at La Crosse’s Copeland Park, 9 a.m.

People and pets who reach their goals will be recognized and rewarded with the following:

One month free YMCA membership

Three month supply of pet food from one of the participating veterinarians

Gift certificate to the Coulee Region Humane Society

Recognition in the Coulee Region Humane Society’s Animal Tribune Fall 2008 edition.

Speedway lends hand to Humane Society

The La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway will hold a fundraiser at the races Saturday, May 3, to help the Coulee Region Humane Society.

The fundraiser, “Pit Stop for Pets,” offers half-price admission to anyone who brings items from the Humane Society’s wish list or who makes a financial donation.

Pet therapy dogs will also be available for race fans to meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Some of the wish list items include dry kitten food (Science Diet, Eukanuba, Petsmart Authority, Purina), canned cat food (Mixed Grill, Country Dinner), canned dog food (Pedigree, Iams, Eukanuba, Alpo, Purina), chicken-flavored baby food, clay cat litter, paper toweling, dryer sheets, laundry detergent, bleach and white copy paper.

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