Headhunter Trail Race Features First-Ever Parasite Jazz Funeral

From Companion Animal Alliance
    On Saturday, March 28th, Forge Racing Trail Running Club & Events and Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) host a trail run series featuring the first-ever Parasite Jazz Funeral. Both events take place at BREC’s Hooper Road Park located at 6261 Guynell Drive.
    The Headhunter Trail Race starts at 8:30 a.m. with a 1-mile fun run followed by a 5K, 10K and half marathon. Runners can bring their canine companions on the course.
    Afterward, at 11 a.m., Parasite Jazz Funeral rolls with a live brass marching band and second-line parade complete with umbrellas, banners depicting the departed parasites, tombstones and tiny coffins.
    While the family-oriented event is festive and fun, it has a serious purpose. As the nonprofit organization contracted to manage the city’s animal shelter, CAA treats many homeless and lost animals who suffer needlessly from damage done by heartworms, fleas, ticks and a host of other parasites.
    “Because Louisiana has such great weather, pets here tend to spend more time outside,” says CAA staff veterinarian Alison Salmon, DVM. “That increases exposure to internal and external parasites transmitted from the environment or other animals.”
    Left untreated, these pests can threaten the lives of companion animals and even affect the health of non-furry family members. The event’s goal is to educate pet owners about effective and affordable treatments that prevent and stop the spread of parasites.
    For race registration, visit forgeracing.net. For more information about the Parasite Jazz Funeral, visit caabr.org or call CAA Development Director Adrian E. Hirsch at 225-933-6010.
    Companion Animal Alliance of Baton Rouge is a nonprofit community organization that manages the East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Shelter. CAA is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, lowering the rate of animal euthanasia, increasing the number of pet adoptions and reuniting lost animals with their owners. For more information or to make a donation, visit our website http://www.caabr.org, or call (225) 774-7701.