I was a runner in high school. And by that, I mean I joined the track and field team for one semester, saw it through to the end of the year, and then never joined again. As it turned out, I didn’t like running. I found it too exhausting and boring as a sport. I preferred things like swimming or dancing, the type of sports that felt more like a hobby. But the one thing that I disliked most about being on the track and field team was that I had to train outside of school hours as well. Getting up and running before school at 6 am and I was not a happy camper.
But I think I might have enjoyed my high school track days a little better if I had some extra incentive to go running. And luckily for one high school’s cross country running team, they definitely got a great running encouragement with some shelter dogs. Running with dogs is a great form of exercise for both the humans and dogs involved. And running with a dog will definitely perk your spirits. This is why the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter loaned some of their adoptable shelter dogs out to the team of St. Joseph High School to join them on a morning run!
The very sweet moment was a one-time event, but the dogs really enjoyed themselves. And the students did as well. They were all excited to be joined on their practice run with some very energetic dogs. Plus, it was a nice thing that they could do for the dogs of the shelter who don’t always get the luxury of going on a morning run. Before the miles-long run could commence, each student was paired up with a dog who would be their running buddy. The sight of the dogs and teens going on a run together was a heartwarming sight to all those who passed them.
As the students’ coach posted on Facebook, “I am not sure who was more excited and having the most fun, the dogs or the kids. Either way, it was a great time and I’m sure we will do it again sometime soon.”
