Running With The Dogs - A Great Way To Get In Some Miles!

Wrigley is guaranteed to make you a better runner if you
adopt him.  He is very sweet but also very strong!  

Today I followed my passion.  I went for a 9 mile run but this run was different than any other run I have ever done.  I got so much satisfaction and joy from my run today.  I planned on running with shelter dogs today.  As I was getting ready to leave, I went through my typical pre-run routine.  I got my camelback ready.  I put on a winter headband because it was a little chilly. I got my sunglasses, Garmin, IPod,  garbage bags for dog poop, and leashes.  As I was doing this my dogs were sure it was time for them to run.  They were excited jumping up and down.  I felt a pang of guilt as I walked out the door but I knew what I was doing was a good thing.  I figured I would walk them later in the day.  I went to the Nevada SPCA a local no kill animal shelter.  I decided to run 3 different dogs 3 miles each.  I wanted to select dogs that had high energy and needed to get out and run.  My first choice was King.  He is a cattle dog mix.  King is a super sweet guy with lots of energy. I can't imagine why somebody would give him up but then again I can't imagine why anyone would give up their dog.  In my opinion its for better or worse with a pet.  You keep them through the good and bad.  We ran 3 miles and he was awesome to run with.  We kept about a 9 min.  pace.  I went back and decided to run Moon for my second dog.  She is a bully mix about one year old.  She is another sweet dog with lots of energy.  She is really skinny and I am sure being in the shelter is a little stressful for her or any dog for that matter.  Moon got me through the next 3 miles which made 6 total for me.  My next choice was Wrigley.  He is a Chow/Shepard mix.  He is so lovable and beautiful.  He is also a very strong dog.  I walked him once before so I was a little apprehensive taking him for a run because he was so strong.  I choose to put a harness on him because of his strength.  Once we started running he was great.  He was the fastest of all of the dogs I ran today.  We kept a 7:30 pace for most of the 3 miles.  He could have easily kept going.   Today my 9 mile run was one of the best runs ever.   Not only did I get exercise I was able to give a little joy to some dogs that deserve a good home.  I know all three of the dogs I ran today will find a good home.  I just hope whoever does adopt them likes to run and will take them along:)  

When I cam home my dogs had to inspect me because I smell like other dogs. Its like I am cheating on them.  They must have been mad that I left to run (with leashes and all) without them.  I came home to find my protein shake empty and remnants of it on the dog bed.  I will take part of the blame for leaving it on the counter. I am not sure who did it but I have my suspicions.  Well my dogs may not have got to run today but we did go for a 2 mile walk.  And one of them got about 15 grams of protein)  

Become a lean mean machine with the help of fido!

Daisy and I after a run and Spec in the back....he just had
to get in the photo!

54% of dogs and cats are overweight or obese.  If your Vet has told you that your dog needs to lose a few pounds then there are simple steps to take to start the process.  Excess weight for your pet can lead to many other health concerns. Talk to your Vet about the type of food you are feeding your dog and how much you are feeding him/her.  As a rule of thumb you should follow the recommendation on the bag of dog food (this is if your dog is normal weight).  The total daily food required for your dog should be spread into two feedings each day.  In addition to monitoring the food intake you must include exercise.  Begin slow and increase it slowly each week.  Starting with a 20-30 minute walk 3-4 times a week is a great start.  Increase about 10% each week.  If you would like to run with your dog start with a run/walk.  Run or jog for 1 minute and walk for 4 minutes.  Limit human food and treats.  If you do give your dog treats use low calorie options such as carrots.  You could also freeze low calorie foods with liquid in a kong.  I put cottage cheese, cut up carrots bits, chicken broth, and seal it with peanut butter.  Then I freeze them.  This is a great low calorie treat that takes them up to an hour to enjoy!  Pets are not much different than humans when it comes to weightless.  Diet and exercise will get you the best results!  You and your pet can become lean, mean machines.