Dogs of all shapes and sizes spent a recent Saturday lending a collective paw to their less-fortunate comrades, all while competing in a myriad of games at the 16th annual Dog Olympics.The student-run event was held on the campus of the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Sponsored by the student chapters of the American Animal Hospital Association (SCAAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA), Dog Olympics helped raise approximately $4,000 for the student chapters and local animal shelters and humane organizations."Dog Olympics is a day to celebrate the bond between dogs and their owners," said Katie Subler ('09), the organizer of this year's event and the president of the SCAAHA. "Both the SCAAHA and Dog Olympics have been fortunate to be associated with wonderful and enthusiastic rescue groups and demonstration groups, who volunteer their time to help with our goal of celebrating dogs and informing the community about dogs in need."Led by their owners, the canine competitors howled, begged and jumped their way through a number of organized events, including doggie limbo, Frisbee catch and musical sit (an event similar to musical chairs), with the winning dogs receiving prizes, medals and a coveted spot on the Dog Olympics platform."Despite the cloudy day, we had about 1,000 people and 400 of their furriest canine friends out on Saturday," Subler said. "They all seemed to have a great time, and many of them said that although this was their first year in attendance, they plan to be back in 2008."This year's event also included a free microchip clinic, sponsored by the Raleigh Kennel Club. Trained personnel implanted more than 250 microchips that if needed, can be scanned by veterinarians or at a number of shelters to reunite a lost dog with its owner."The Raleigh Kennel Club has been a constant supporter of the Dog Olympics," Subler said. "Microchips offer wonderful security for pet owners if their pet runs away or goes missing."The family-friendly Dog Olympics also featured a number of demonstrations by the Raleigh K-9 Police Unit and other canine groups, information booths sponsored by various breed and shelter rescue groups as well as refreshments for dogs and their human companions."I think the Dog Olympics was a great day for dogs and the people who love them," said Dave Green, director of college communications at the College of Veterinary Medicine. "It's fun to watch all manner of dogs and owners interact."As usual, everyone appeared to enjoy themselves and the family event helped raise awareness as well as dollars for animal shelters," he said. "Like our annual Open House, the Dog Olympics has become a great community event."