RUN WITH A SHELTER DOG THIS FALL

Ruby and Ginny, rescued shelter dogs love exercise! Taken by C McWilliams September 6, 2017. All rights reserved.

"DO YOU WANT TO RUN WITH A SHELTER DOG?"
THIS 2013 article by “Miles & Mutts” tries to help connect runners with animal shelters, who volunteer to provide exercise for dogs. The Miles & Mutts mission, and the mission of each of the groups listed in the article from around the USA, seems to be worthy of investigation.
 
If you’re a runner, love dogs, but don’t think owning one is a manageable, exercising a rescue dog could be a wonderful option. This is me.  It was disappointing to have stumbled across this piece only to discover it was more than 4 years old.  Would any groups featured still be in operation?
 
Sadly, many of the organization links don’t lead to webpages that clearly announce ongoing activities related to running with shelter dogs, or are inactive.  
 
An inquiry was made of Miles & Mutts.  Earned Runs asked if it was still in operation.  The response was, “Unfortunately not, priorities changed at the rescue we were helping and haven’t been able to get something else going.”  
 
It’s a terrific idea! It should not be abandoned because the official groups are now defunct.
 
Shelters that don’t officially partner with a group might allow individual volunteer efforts on a case by case basis.  In interested , check out the list and use the contact information to locate a nearby center that may welcome an offer of dog exercise.  Like neighborhood free-play of yesteryear, in which a few kids on the block gathered spontaneously to create fun, it may not be necessary to organize an official group with a Facebook page for this purpose. Just show up and ask, as one person.
 
This is the way it was done in past years, without social media support.  Not saying you shouldn’t use it, but perhaps initially that level of effort or commitment won’t be needed.  
 
Thanks to Miles & Mutts for the inspiration.  Good effort.
 
RUN HAPPY!
 
https://milesandmutts.com/2013/01/29/do-you-want-to-run-with-a-shelter-dog/
 
NOTES:
Charlotte NC, Dogs on the Run: information not found on the website
 
Seattle Humane Jog a Dog Program: page could not be found
 
Kansas City MO, KC Dog Runners:  A local business; dog runner volunteers might be required to be an employee, who then volunteers for this service activity.
 
Austin TX, Rufftail Runners: Seems to be active, no clear contact form.
 
Sacramento CA, Pitbull Socialization and Obedience Crew: Seems to be active, no clear contact form to inquire about dog running
 
San Diego CA, PEAKFINDERS K9er’s with the Barking Lot: does not appear to be actively operating
 
Anne Arundel County MD, SPCA R.A.C.E Team: Seems to be active
 
Sheboygan WI, The Ruff Dog Project; active, but no information on dog running