The Puppy Run: A Race Report

Yesterday morning (5/21/16), I ran The Puppy Run, a virtual run presented by FitFam which benefited Valhalla Canine Rescue.

Many people ran with their dogs, such as KR Endurance Coach Rebecca, who ran with her pup Teaka Bear:

Since I don’t have a dog, I tried to figure out how I could meaningfully participate. Since many of my friends either volunteer with organizations that help rescue dogs or have rescue dogs themselves (or both), I decided to use the opportunity to help tell the stories of some rescue dogs who need homes.

My friend Gabrielle connected me with Black Cats and Old Dogs, a rescue organization which prides itself on “rescuing what others refuse.” I used their website to filter for the most senior dogs. Since there were three, I dedicated each of the three miles to one of the senior dogs who needs a home! Here’s the way I modified the bib to feature them:

Mile One – Fannie

Fannie is a 9-year-old Yellow Lab mix who acts more like a 4-year-old! If you play ball with her, you will be her best friend for life. Fannie is good with other dogs and doesn’t have any concern about cats. She is house broken, spayed, current on vaccines, and heart worm negative. Learn more about her (and see a video!) here.

Mile Two – Maria

Maria is a 12-year-old Husky Shepherd mix. She loves to cuddle on the couch and she also loves all cats and dogs. Most of all, she loves relaxing in a quiet home.

Mile Three – Nicholas

Nicholas is a 7-year-old lab mix who will make the perfect family dog! He’s a sweet and gentle guy who just wants to be loved! Nicholas is neutered, current on vaccines, and has begun slow kill heart worm treatment.

The Race Itself

The actual running part of the race wasn’t all that remarkable. I’ve run the route around my neighborhood countless times before. My time was one of the worst times for that route (I am still experiencing some heart rate challenges so I’ve tried to stop obsessing about “bad” times). However, I did pass a neighbor run/walking with her new dog (twice), which seemed fitting given the dedication/purpose of my run.

The “medal” was a piece of paper designed to look like a medal:

(Note: There were actual medals (for humans AND dogs!) but I opted for the digital swag package!)

I also had the additional momentum of being part of a community who cares about dogs and wants to celebrate their role in the fitness world — as companions, motivators, and diversions (with their amusing antics).

Awesome pace or not, it was still PAWsitively fantastic (I had to fit one pun in!) to be part of The Puppy Run!

More on Fannie, Maria, and Nicholas

For more information about these three dogs and the other animals up for adoption from Black Cats and Old Dogs, please click here.

If you are here in Tallahassee, stop by P.A.W.S. tomorrow (5/22/16) between noon and 4 p.m. to meet some of the animals up for adoption!

Paula Kiger

Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.