Loaned Joggers - Sunday, May 4

The ORC is collaborating with the SPCA again this Sunday, May 4. The SPCA will have dogs ready to run a 1 ½ mile run/jog at the beginning of the course. They will be ready at 6:45 am for a brief orientation and ready to go by 7:00 am. The dogs will be appropriately chosen for the jog/run, and only volunteers who want to run with a dog will participate (anyone who does not want to be involved can run the route as usual, dog-free). The SPCA will provide disposable bags, treats, leashes, etc. Water will be available for the dogs at the pickup location. Pickup location will be Kraft Azalea Garden. Let us know if you are interested in running with a pup!

The SPCA "Loaned Jogger" program is one of many initiatives taking place across the country that pairs local running clubs with shelter animals.  The Loaned Jogger program provides the SPCA with valuable information about the dogs at their adoptions centers, as well as a chance see how the dogs respond to things they don't normally see, such as bikes, sirens, flying kites, and squirrels.  The dogs get an energy outlet and mental stimulation.  Paired joggers get to witness the sheer joy of a shelter animal on a run and the knowledge of the positive impact they are making in the dog's life. 

The program has many names in various city's across the country, including the People and Animal Cardio Klub (PACK) in Washington, DC, the Running Buddies Enrichment Club in St. Louis, MO, the Jog-a-Dog program in Austin, TX and the Get Fit with Fido program in Seattle, WA.  Runner's World magazine recently featured running with dogs in their magazine.  As part of that special, columnist Coach Jenny wrote a post entitled "What do you get when you cross a runner with a shelter dog?"  Her answer:  A REALLY good idea.

As with all our weekly runs, both ORC members and guests of all ages and paces are welcome to participate.  We hope to see you on Sunday, or Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday, or Thursday...  For more information about the Orlando Runners Club and our weekly schedule, visit us at www.orlandorunnersclub.org.