Learn about some of our Dog Runners
Amanda
Hi, I’m Amanda Christman. I have been running for 11 years and the last 1.5yrs I have run dogs for Happy Dog Running Company. I am happily married with 3 kids. My main occupation is that I am a stay at home mom of three. My interests and hobbies include: the beach, sun, sand, cruising, cross fit, escape rooms, running, a nice cup of coffee with friends, and family time with husband and kiddos.
Steph
Hi, I’m Steph. I have been running for almost 20 years and try to run at least two marathons per year. I love all animals and currently my husband and I have three dogs, Havoc (German shepherd), Solomon (English bulldog) and Marley (Staffy/hound mix). I’ve been working at the zoo for almost seven years as an elephant keeper. When I’m not working I love to run but also enjoy hiking and basically anything outside. In addition, my husband and I foster dogs through Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh (we like a crazy household). I also love to just relax by spending time with my family.
Joe
Although I hate running, I love dogs and my wife (that's all she does is run and usually with a dog, lol). We have three dogs that keep us busy and we also foster pups through Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh. I'm the person that crosses the street to say hi to your dog. I may be quiet when you meet me but that's only because I save my chattiness for your dog on our run! Sometimes, my wife and I will team up to take family dogs out together, too, and we even run our own pups as well.
Mary
I'm Mary and I have been running for 10 years. I enjoy running 5k races and half marathon's! I particularly enjoy destination races. When I am not running I enjoy, hiking, camping, travelling, and drawing. My primary job is as a mental health therapist working with adults and children. I can't wait to meet your pups!
Kristen
Hi, I'm Kristen! I started running about 10 years ago and fell in love! I am an avid half marathon, marathon runner and dog lover! I am out running in the rain, shine and snow...anything to get the miles and smiles in. I am a wife and mother of 3 beautiful children and the furmama of a blue heeler pup and cannot wait to get her running with me!
Angela
Hi! My name is Angela. I’ve always enjoyed running and I’ve been running consistently for the last 5 years. I’ve run many 5K’s, an obstacle course, two half-marathons, and I ran my first marathon this March 2020. I’ve been running with Happy Dog Running Co. since September 2019. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my experiences with the people and various dog breeds involved. I work as a Classroom Behavior Therapist teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have a dog named Mario who is 16 years old. I enjoy swimming, boating, skiing, snowshoeing, playing the piano, cooking, and gardening!
Carla
Hello, My name is Carla Lytle. I have always loved animals, especially dogs. I have been a dog owner most of my life. After running for over 30 years, I've recently decided to start running with canines on a regular basis. I love it! When I’m not running with dogs, I am an ACE certified personal trainer. Basically, My other passion is keeping humans in great physical shape too. I generally work with disabled athletes. I derive satisfaction knowing that the dogs and people that I work with are in excellent physical and mental health. Exercise is a great tool for man and animal alike to achieve wellness!
Lisa
Hi! My name is Lisa. I started running in 1976, ran my first marathon in 1980, my first ultra (50 miles) in 2006, and my one and only 100-miler in 2011. In total, I’ve run 67 marathons in 26 states and one foreign country. I even met my husband Alan while running the Pittsburgh Marathon in 1995! Obviously, I love to run but I also love to kayak, bike, hike, and swim. I am also the treasurer for a pet rescue organization that I helped start in 2003. Joining Happy Dog Running Company has been an exciting new adventure for me and I love it. Hope to meet you and run with your “Best Friend” soon!
Alan
Hi, my name is Alan. I’m retired from Westinghouse and now work part time as a barista. I’ve been running since 1972 and I’ve always enjoyed it. I started doing 10Ks (no 5Ks back then), which lead me to meet people that had run marathons. They encouraged me to try one. I met my wife (Lisa) running a marathon. I’ve lost count of the number of marathons I’ve done (over 50) and every time someone came up with a new activity that included running, I wanted to try it. I’ve done triathlons (including the Ironman x 5), ultra-marathons, summer biathlons, adventure races, and obstacle races. So, when running with a dog became an opportunity, I wanted to do that too. I believe running has been good for me and if you think it would be good for your dog, I’d be happy to help make that happen.
Rich
Hi, my name is Rich! I've been running since 2007, but things really didn't start getting interesting until I got into Ultra Trail Running in 2016! I love running and running with dogs is even better! I don't have a dog due to how much I travel. Happy Dog Running gives me the best of both worlds! I do have two cats though, Mario and Alita!
Anna
Bonjour! My name is Anna and I am from France. I have been running since I was a teenager, 5k to marathons, I enjoy any types of running! But honestly, running with dogs is way more entertaining! When I am not running I am teaching French and Chinese and going out to eat as much as I can! I can't wait to meet your furry friend. À bientôt !
Ashley
Greetings. My name is Ashley and I've been a runner since middle school at good ole Latrobe. There I found my passion for running longer distances and was able to continue my running career at St. Vincent College. My college days are long over, but my passion for running has remained the same. Running is a beautiful stress relief and a great way to keep your four-legged family member in shape. When I'm not running your sweet pup you can find me at the physical therapy clinic keeping humans mobile, on my SUP board, or out enjoying the racecar life with my husband
Sheena
Hi! I’m Sheena! I enjoy the outdoors. I got back into running races in my late 20’s with 5k ,10k , 1/2 and full marathon races which led to distance racing. I’ve hiked 75 miles and completed the full Rachel Carson Challenge. In 2019 I completed my first 100k in Oil Creek. In July 2022 I completed my first 100 Mile Race, in Ohio. I joined Happy Dog Running Co. in 2021. It has been an amazing experience! I enjoy building friendships with the dogs and giving them a fun run where they can burn off some of that wild energy! I’m excited to meet you and your dog!
Katie
Hi, my name is Katie. I absolutely love dogs and I love running, so getting to do them together is a blast and a half! I’ve been a member of HDRC since 2023, but I’ve been running since 2016! I’ve run 5ks, 10ks, 2 half marathons, and I’m doing my first-ever marathon in October 2024! I’m originally from Canada and I’ve lived in Pittsburgh since 2022. When I’m not out and about on the running trails, you can find me at my day job researching Artificial Intelligence, at orchestra practice where I play the cello, or at home either yelling at the TV when a hockey game is on or cozied up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea.
Linnea
Hi, I'm Linnea! I've been running for over 10 years now, and joined HDR in spring of 2021. My husband and I adopted a shelter dog in 2022 who we named Ori, and I run with her when I am not running for HDR clients! I've raced numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, 14Ks, and 2 half marathons so far. I enjoy taking dressage lessons on my horse, with the intent to start competing soon! When not running and riding, I am a full time software developer and enjoy caring for my vegetable garden and small orchard.
Michele
Hi I'm Michele and I've been a runner for over 10 years. I joined HDRC in 2021 and it's become the best part of my day! I love all critters large and small but love running with dogs - nothing compares! I start and end every session with a smile on my face. I've run in all race distances up to a marathon, finished a few triathlons and obstacle course races, and I'm an avid Rachael Carson Trail Challenger! When I'm not running I'm a full-time professional geologist who enjoys cooking, gardening, paddleboarding, and spending time outdoors. I promise to treat your pup like my own!
Jessica
Hello, my name is Jessica and I've been running for 9 years now. I first started running with my dog Penny, and my love for running (and my dogs) has only grown since then! I currently have 2 dogs and 2 cats, and I'm a stay-at-home mom to a beautiful little girl.
Tamara
My name is Tamara Hale, I started running Cross Country my freshman year at Franklin Regional back in 1980, qualified for the WPIAL finals and qualified as an individual for the state finals at Indian Town Gap in Harrisburg where I placed forty-fourth out of 175 for the state that year. Since then, I have run in countless races from 5K to full marathons. At the age of 50, I decided that I had enough of Marathons and changed it up to Triathlons. I have been a Triathlete for the past 7 years, completed several Spring, Olympic and Half Ironman, working my way up to compete 2 Full Ironman and am going to compete in my 3 rd Full Ironman this September 2022 in Tennessee at the age of 57. I enjoy the outdoors, I take care of a 60-acre farm with 2 horses, hunt with 4 redbone coonhounds and maintain another 120 acres for recreation and hunting. I decided to join HDRC back in May of 2021, I run anyway so why not run with the dogs! I am so glad I did! I have had such a great time with my canine friends, and honestly, they get me up and out the door, seeing their happy faces before a run is what I look forward too every time, we get to know the dogs well, down to their personality, pace, and potential, after all, it’s their run and their time to enjoy the outdoors!
Krystal
My name's Krystal. I have been running for approximately 13 years. I enjoy running off of the beaten path, exploring woods and fields, and anything nature. I also really love running hills! I have always been an animal lover, taking care of orphaned and injured animals since I was a child and I continue to do so to this day. In my spare time I enjoy nerding out about coffee, reading, photography, making music, exploring nature, and helping wild animals at a wildlife rehab center. I love any and all animals: mean, ugly, shy or happy-go-lucky. They all deserve love and acceptance, and I will do everything to make them feel that way. I feel that I have always understood animals even more than people and that is part of why I love running with them. I'm a bit of a shy, timid person myself, so running with dogs who don't judge you or have expectations about how you should be is an amazing "job" and a nice little vacation from the world. Together we will run, play, and just be free. 🙂
Liz
Hi, I'm Liz Prady and I have been regularly running for almost 30 years! I am a mom of two college-aged children, so when the youngest left the nest, I found the opportunity at Happy Dog Running Company to let me take care of a new kind of baby - your furbabies! Since my cat Bo is insistent we can't have a dog, I am thrilled to be entrusted to take your pups out for exercise and fun. I am also a middle school English and Reading teacher who loves football, the beach, and spending time with my family.
Marisa
Hi, my name is Marisa! I’ve been running since 2015. I fell in love with running once I started Ultra trail running. My main occupation is in the Fitness area. When I’m not running, I enjoy traveling with my husband and spending time with family & friends. I currently do not have a dog but will love your dog like they are my own. Happy Dog Running really gives me the best of both worlds!
Abbey
Hi, I'm Abbey Conrad! This is my first time as a dog runner, but I've been a runner for 12 years. Running is one of my favorite pastimes, and who better to do it with than a furry friend?! It brings me joy to see the excitement the dogs get to run. I have a dog of my own at home, Cooper. I rescued him in February 2024. He is so playful and keeps me busy and active when I’m home! I am also a high school math teacher and basketball coach who loves to spend time with family and friends.
Rachel
Hi there! My name is Rachel and I have been a runner for about a decade, completing a handful of half and full marathons over the years. Even though I haven’t raced in a while, I still enjoy running and fitness - that’s why running for Happy Dog is such a great opportunity for me! In addition to running I am also a part time machinist and pet photographer. The more I can do with animals the happier I am!
Kinsey
Hi, I’m Kinsey! I have been running since I was five years old and competed in my first 5K at age six. To date, I have run several half-marathons and a few full marathons. I am a sales manager by trade, a wife, and a mom to my five-year-old son, and 13-year-old Dutch Shepherd Greyhound mix named Gunner. Before becoming a mom, I was an avid long-distance runner, qualifying for the Boston Marathon two years in a row. I currently enjoy helping others achieve their fitness goals as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. And now get to help dogs enjoy exercise as well! I love running for Happy Dog Running Company and it has given me so much joy!
Sarah
Hello, I am Sarah, and I can’t wait to meet your dog! I have owned dogs for over twenty years and am passionate about their happiness, health, and well being. I love training, exercising, and spending time with dogs. When I am not performing or teaching as a professional cellist, I do volunteer therapy work with my certified therapy dog Wallace, and Flyball and Agility training with my Italian Greyhound Artie. I also foster Italian Greyhounds through the Western PA Italian Greyhound Rescue, trying to keep up with the speed of my greyhound has inspired me to run with dogs, see you soon!
Kristin
In 2016 I decided to take a chance on signing up for a 5k for charity and fell in love with the short periods of quiet time that running provided. Since then I have completed several half, full, and even a hand full of ultramarathons making the best of friends along the way. In 2023, I decided to take my friend, Marisa, up on gaining a four-legged running buddy by joining Happy Dog Running Co. I enjoy spending quiet mornings chatting with my furry friends contemplating life and enjoying some of the most beautiful moments outdoors.
Jeff
Hi, I'm Jeff Daub. I've been running for many years, and I started running with my dog in 2017. We both loved it so much, that I never ran alone again. I abandoned my solo running goals of racing, and qualifying for Boston to spend all my miles running with dogs.
I began running with my friends and neighbors dogs, and it became a weekend and evening 2nd job very quickly! I eventually took the leap, and left my job to pursue this crazy dog running business full-time, and I never looked back! I'm in love with my job, and I look forward to every day, running and exercising with YOUR dogs!
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