Local physician and Landings resident Dr. Elizabeth (“Doll”) Miller is planning to mark her 60th birthday on October 1,2010 with a 60-mile run to raise funds for the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.
Funds raised during Dr. Miller’s run will go toward the establishment of a Community Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic to serve the needs of cats and dogs in the Greater Savannah area.
Dr. Miller, who has served on the board of the Humane Society for Greater Savannah since 2006, plans to begin her run at her home community - The Landings on Skidaway Island. Her journey will take her through downtown Savannah and out to Tybee Island, before concluding at the Humane Society’s headquarters at 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, where a birthday celebration will be held.
Lifelong Animal Lover
Dr. Miller, a LASIK eye surgeon at the Georgia Eye Institute in Savannah who has lived and practiced in Savannah for 25 years, first became involved with the Humane Society six years ago. A lifelong animal lover who grew up in the foothills of the Adirondacks, Dr. Miller began her involvement with the Humane Society by volunteering to walk the shelter’s dogs, a tradition she still continues today.
“The emotional engagement with the animals is very fulfilling,” explains Dr. Miller. “It’s a labor of love.”
She came up with the idea for the run last year and discussed it with her family before solidifying her plans. Dr. Miller, a seasoned runner who has competed in over 50 marathons, completed a similar feat on her 50th birthday, running 50 miles through Savannah. This time, however, she took it a step further, designing the event as a fundraiser for the Humane Society.
"A Present to Myself"
“I’m approaching this run like it’s a 60th birthday present to myself,” Dr. Miller says. “On October 1 I’m going to hit the road and for 60 miles I’ll just follow my heart. I’m pretty sure that I’ll end up finding it ‘wagging it’s tail’ at 7215 Sallie Mood Drive.”
To train for the 60-mile run, Dr. Miller has continued running marathons and taken long, slow runs on Sundays. She plans to begin the run at 5 a.m., with nothing but brief water breaks until she reaches the Humane Society.
Make a Contribution
To make a contribution to support Dr. Miller’s birthday run or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Robin Gold at 912-354-9515 or [email protected].
The Humane Society accepts owner surrendered animals and is open during the following hours for viewing and adoption – Mon-Fri 10-5:30; Sat 10-4:30; Sun 12-4 and for intake Tues-Fri 8:30-4; Sat 10-3 and Sun 12-3.
The Humane Society’s website provides tips to pet owners detailing responsibilities on how to care for and keep animals safe and healthy. Microchip and Low Cost Shot Clinics are also held throughout the year. For more information about the Humane Society, the organization’s thrift shop, and how you can help, go to www.HumaneSocietySAV.org or call 912-354-9515.
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