Imagine living an entire decade of your life in the very same place. Imagine not knowing if you will have food or water. Imagine living your life through all the seasons, the extreme heat and cold and having to endure it all. Imagine your whole life consisting of laying in dirt, mud, your own filth. Imagine being totally isolated for 3650 days. Imagine all of this happens while you have a weighted chain around your neck and having absolutely no choice. Imagine Hell.

Most residents of Mt. Sterling know the story of Sarge. Sarge was a precious soul who was chained for an entire decade of his life. This sweet boy broke the hearts of many citizens of our community for years. Dog lovers and anyone with a soul would comment about how sad the big, black dog was and how pitiful his life was living chained day after day, year after year. For years, many tried to save him to no avail. It was heart wrenching to witness the treatment of this dog. Finally, after endless effort, our local rescue, Love of Paws, was contacted and told that they could have him. Finally, a new and well deserved beginning. However, by this time, Sarge was over ten years old, his health had declined and he was nearly blind. For the almost three years that followed, Sarge lived comfortably, he was so loved and cared for by Pat and Russ Henry. We are all grateful that Sarge was able to live out the remainder of his life filled with warmth and love, the life he always deserved. Unfortunately, Sarge never got to experience any of this when he was young and healthy. He was condemned to a torturous life at no fault of his own. Sarge is just one of thousands of dogs who live this daily nightmare.

To honor Sarge and the other innocent souls who endure this mistreatment, we would like to invite you to participate in the first annual Sarge’s Run, a 3K Run/Walk Event. Sarge never had the opportunity to run or walk freely. Not only is this event to honor the sweet boy who touched so many hearts, but to raise awareness for all of the others who live the same life day after day.