On April 15th, 2012, I am running the GO! St. Louis Marathon as my 9th marathon.  This year, I am running as a charity runner in support of STRAY RESCUE OF ST. LOUIS' RUNNING BUDDIES.  Here's why I am committed to this cause: 

 I  know you all know how much I love my dog Cassie.  Cassie was a stray living on the mean streets of St. Louis until someone rescued her and took her to Animal Control, which was a "high kill' shelter two years ago.  Thank goodness someone decided to give her a chance and another "no kill" shelter like STRAY RESCUE OF ST LOUIS took her in hopes of finding her a good home.  She pined away in her kennel for almost two months until I met her and fell in love instantly! I knew I had to take her home.  Cassie got lucky.  So many other dogs don't get so lucky.  I found the perfect "running buddy" in Cassie and we were a perfect match.  When I found out that STRAY RESCUE OF ST. LOUIS was starting a program to link  shelter dogs with local runners to take them out for a run on a regular basis, I knew I had to become a part of the program.  I am raising money to help these dogs get exercise, feel the fresh air blow through their fur, and to learn how to be such great dogs that someone will fall in love instantly and have to take them home like I did with my Cassie.  

If you are able to donate, I greatly appreciate it.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will give every running buddy an extra pat on the head on your behalf.  

If you feel so inclined...sign up to be a running buddy at STRAY RESCUE OF ST. LOUIS.  They will train you and then you can be off and running too! 

The goal of the Running Buddies program is to build awareness of Stray Rescue’s mission by collaborating with our community’s running enthusiasts, the companies they work for, and the fitness organizations to which they belong. The program seeks to enrich the lives of shelter dogs while making them more adoptable through exercise and socialization, as well as highlight and strengthen the human/dog bond. We also seek to promote health and wellness for program participants and provide those who cannot own a dog with the opportunity to experience the joy of spending time with them.

This program is a fun, unique, and meaningful way to stay in shape while enriching the lives of shelter dogs as they await their loving forever homes. All participants have to do is visit Stray Rescue’s Pine Street shelter and “check out” their buddy… then they’re off and running!
 

About Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Stray Rescue’s mission is to lead the way towards making St. Louis a compassionate city where every companion animal knows health, comfort, and affection, and no stray is euthanized merely because he or she has been abandoned or neglected. As part of our mission, Stray Rescue is out on the streets daily taking a progressive, proactive approach to establishing a permanent resolution to the stray companion animal problem through dedicated rescue efforts, sheltering, community outreach programs, education, collaborations, and the encouragement of responsible pet guardianship.