Running is a great way to get in shape and stay in shape. I have been an avid runner in the Richmond area for the past eleven years and for the majority of that time I had a running buddy, Oreo. Oreo provided me with the motivation I needed for those early morning runs when staying in bed seemed so much better than running out in the cold. Now that Oreo is too old to run with me I have found a new running buddy, actually about 30 new running buddies.

November 17, 2007 marked the first Saturday run of our wonderfully successful Running Buddies Program at the Richmond SPCA. Cherish was one of the first dogs that was chosen to run a 5K course that starts and ends at the Robins-Starr Humane Center. Shortly after the run Cherish got adopted into a loving home by a family that fell in love with her kind personality and laid back disposition. I can only imagine how happy Cherish was after someone volunteered their time to come take her for a run and I believe that the happiness that Cherish felt was what helped her get adopted. I contacted the person that took Cherish for a run and she was overjoyed that she helped Cherish find a home.

Nearly 70 of the dogs who have gone on runs or walks with our Running Buddy volunteers have found loving homes. The program was featured in last Thursday’s Times-Dispatch, and you can read the article and view video of a recent run here.

The Running Buddies Program is a great way to start training for Richmond’s spring running events, like the 6th Annual Dog Jog and 5K Run, which takes place at the Robins-Starr Humane Center on March 29, 2008. Running releases endorphins that give you a sense of well being. When you add in the fact that you are giving a shelter dog some much needed attention and a better chance of getting adopted, just imagine what that feels like!

Running Buddies have formed a team to raise pledges for the Dog Jog, and you can support us by clicking here, or go to www.richmondspca.org/race, register for the event and start a team of your own.

Today’s blog was written by Kaitlyn Hemsley, the Behavior Helpline coordinator at the Richmond SPCA. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA with your dog or cat behavior questions, or visit http://www.richmondspca.org/volunteer for details on the Running Buddy program.

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