Every year, the company where my furparents work organizes a fun run for their employees. But in July 2024, they gave it a twist — for the first time in decades, pets are welcome to join. Of course, Mum jumped at the opportunity and registered my name.
As you can see in the photo above, I was fully geared up. I had my harness and leash, my reflective dog shoes and my belly wrap. Additionally, Mum had on a backpack that contains my poop bag, so that she’s ready anytime I ‘deposit’ on the road. (I know, #responsiblefurparent )
The route was pretty easy — we just had to run around the parking area, and one lap equals 600 meters. And the mechanics were: human runners need to finish 12 laps so that they earn one leave credit. But if they’re running with a dog or cat, the human and their pet only need to finish six laps together.
How many laps did I finish, you ask? Well, not to brag but … I finished 11 laps! Mind you, Mum didn’t force me — it was actually the other way around. I didn’t want us to stop running! The marshals were also laughing because they knew we had finished the required lap count already, but we kept on coming back to the ‘popsicle station’ (where popsicles are given out to mark each completed lap) because I didn’t want to stop. 💪
Look at my handsome face — I’ve ran a good distance already at that time but I don’t look tired at all, right? In fact, I look so happy, and I really am. Maybe it’s because Mum had always raised me as an ‘athletic’ dog, one who doesn’t just sleep all day but takes the time to walk outside (if weather permits), or at least run up and down the stairs at home when I play hide-and-seek with her.
In this one, I had my runner-face mode on. I told you, I’m a sucker for activities that test my stamina. Safe to say, this may be one of the best days of my life — perhaps second to the day my furparents got me. If you need more proof, watch my Tiktok, so that you can see me in action. 😎
💡 Tip to furparents: Help us, your furbabies, maintain an active lifestyle. It keeps us healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.
And to my fellow furbabies out there, what’s your favorite outdoor activity? Have you participated in a fun run, yet? If yes, let me know about your running era, too! 🐾
Photo credit: Daj Dajotoy
