Pets for Heroes OSU Mutt Strut 5k

Dear Mutt Strut 5k Participants, We would like to first take the opportunity to say that we hope that you are safe and doing well. This is a time of unprecedented changes to life as we know it and is a difficult time for all of us as a local community, state, and nation. We have some disappointing news. As you all know, COVID-19 has led to many guidelines regarding social interaction and public gatherings. Due to the indefinite restrictions and recommendations regarding large gatherings by Ohio’s government officials and the CDC, we have decided to cancel the Mutt Strut 5k. We support the public health efforts being taken to slow the spread of infection and want to prevent the potential contribution that our event could have on spreading the disease. While this is disappointing, it is essential for us to work together as a community to prevent the spread of this infection and the best way for our group to contribute to this prevention is to cancel this event at this time for the foreseeable future. I want to assure you that we did not take this decision lightly as a board as we understand the desperate mental health needs of our veterans, first responders, and shelter animals. We know that the cancellation of this event will hinder our ability to donate to the Pets for Heroes organization and match these heroes with companion animals from shelters. However, this is most definitely the most responsible action to take in the face of this crisis. We recognize that you have paid to support our cause and participate in the Mutt Strut 5k. While the event is cancelled for the foreseeable future, we do plan to try to reschedule the Mutt Strut 5k at a time when public health officials deem it safe to do so. As this event is annual, even if we cannot reschedule it in this calendar year, we will be having this event at some point between now and May 2021. Thus, there are two potential options regarding your monetary support for our event. We can keep your donation and your event donation will be covered for the time when we reschedule the event or hold the next iteration of the event. Essentially, your event ticket would simply transfer to the rescheduled date. Alternatively, if you would simply like your money back or are unable to make it to the rescheduled event, we can refund you your donation to the credit card that you used to pay when signing up. Please indicate to us which option you would like to pursue by replying to this email. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause and wish that we were not forced to make this decision. Rest assured that we remain committed to our mission and plan on holding this event to raise money for veterans, first responders, and shelter animals as soon as it is safe enough for the community to do so. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you and stay safe. Sincerely, Pets for Heroes