BAROOOO! WELCOME EVERYPAWDY!
Were tail-wagging excited that youre joining us for this years 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 years 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! Its virtualwalk, 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 CANT - AND WE CAN!
_Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)_ is a devastating disease, but the good news is its PREVENTABLE through proper genetic testing prior to breeding. Together, were barking out loud to spread awareness and save future pups.

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FEMALE SIGN WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

Choose your style - move your way!

COMPETITIVE RUNNERS

* "THE FAST & THE FURRIEST 5K RUN" - Fastest 5K in a single day
* IRON PAW ENDURANCE CHALLENGE - Most miles run total over the week

COMPETITIVE WALKERS

* THE SHADEOUTDM SPRINT - Longest distance walked in a single day (tie-breaker: fastest time)
* MILES FOR MUTTS MARATHON - Most miles walked total over the week

DOG JOG

* Are you already walking your dog daily? Make it count by participating virtually with your pup(s) non competitive
* There will be a special award for the TOP DOG DISTANCE CHALLENGE - Top 10 distances on our WOOFTRAX Event

COUCH DOG - (Supporter)

* Dont 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 whod 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.

male sign SWIMMERS & SURFERS FOR DOGS Swim or Surf for the cause!

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



*Log your miles by using our Group "2025 WALK TO WIPE-OUT DM BY SHADEOUTDM" on WOOFTRAX https://link.wooftrax.com/lxa416 [https://link.wooftrax.com/lxa416]


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HOW TO GET YOUR OFFICIAL RACE T-SHIRT

Only participants who raise $200 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 donationsso 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

* REGISTER ONLINE
Choose to support an existing team or start your own.
* 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._)
* GET YOUR BIB
Youll receive a race bib via email (check spam or log into your profile).
* STRIKE A POSE!
Snap a photo of your pup (or stuffed animal!) wearing SUNGLASSES and your RACE BIB.
* POST & TAG!
Share on social media during race week and TAG #SHADEOUTDM in ALL your posts!
(Lets flood the feed and get people asking, _Whats DM?_)

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ABOUT DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY (DM)

DM is often called the CANINE VERSION OF ALS (LOU GEHRIGS DISEASE). Its 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 dont know about DM
* Its often misdiagnosed
* Its 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 ~ WHEELCHAIR SYMBOL 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 KCS 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 [https://www.shadeoutdm.org]


LETS RACE TO #SHADEOUTDMBECAUSE NO DOG SHOULD SUFFER NEEDLESSLY.
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.