Runner News

Runner News – Important Announcements

December 5, 2024

Thanks for logging in, and Happy day to you!

 

COLD WEATHER IS HERE!!

Running in cold weather with our dogs is a fun and healthy activity, but it’s essential to take precautions to ensure both your safety and your dog’s comfort. Here are some tips:

  1. Check the Weather
  • Avoid extreme cold, especially if it’s windy or wet, as these conditions can cause hypothermia or frostbite.
  • Dogs with short coats, small breeds, and older dogs are more sensitive to cold temperatures.
  1. Protect Their Paws
  • Cold surfaces, ice, and salt can irritate or injure paws. Use dog booties for protection if necessary, or apply a pet-safe balm to shield their pads.  We carry balm in our shop.
  • Check their paws after the run for cracks, cuts, or signs of irritation, and clean off any salt or chemicals.
  1. Dress Appropriately
  • Dogs with thin coats may benefit from a dog sweater or jacket to keep warm.
  • Avoid overdressing dogs with thick fur as they can overheat even in cold weather.
  1. Warm Up Gradually
  • Just like humans, dogs need to warm up to avoid strain or injury. Start with a brisk walk before increasing to a jog.
  1. Monitor for Signs of Discomfort
  • Look for signs of cold stress, such as shivering, whining, lifting paws, or slowing down. If you notice these, head indoors immediately.
  1. Adjust Duration and Intensity
  • Limit the duration of runs in very cold weather. Take breaks and return indoors if conditions are too harsh.
  1. Stay Visible
  • Winter days are shorter, so wear reflective gear, and consider a light-up collar or leash for your dog to ensure visibility during early morning or evening runs.  You can apply reflective tape to your leashes.
  1. Hydration and Nutrition
  • Bring water for longer runs, as dogs can become dehydrated in winter just like in summer.
  1. Post-Run Care
  • Dry your dog off after the run, paying special attention to their paws and fur.
  • Check for any signs of injury or frostbite, especially on extremities like ears, tails, and toes.

By following these precautions, you and your dogs can enjoy safe and comfortable runs all winter long!  The winter solstice is just a couple weeks away, and the days will begin to get longer again!!

 

LETS UPDATE THE “MEET THE RUNNERS” PAGE!

I have updated several of your profiles now, but there are a lot of runners missing! The “Meet The Runners” page of our website is a very useful tool for me.  As I meet new customers and runners, I constantly refer people to that page.  When you decide to meet a new dog, I always let the customer know who you are ahead of time by sending them to that page ahead of your arrival. The same way that you like to know a little bit about the dog you are about to meet, the customer also likes to know a little bit about you!  I’m very proud of you guys, and I love to show off our team!

I also send potential new runners to this page, so if being a part of Happy Dog Running Co has helped you in your running, or positively influenced you in any way, please share it!

A lot of time has passed since we updated our profiles, years, in some cases!!  And, most of the new runners aren’t in there at all.

Please take a minute and help me out by sending your profile, or updated profile to me via email.  We can change pics, or whatever you want to add or change.

 

A NOTE ABOUT THE LEADERBOARD

  I want to emphasize that this is not a competition.  Every one of us runs with dogs for a reason.  Some do it for the extra miles, some do it for the extra cash, and some do it just because it’s a fun hobby.  The miles are the miles.  It’s just a fun way to see your, and everyone else’s progress throughout the year.

LEADERBOARD

Jessica is slowly stretching out her lead! There’s only 1 month left, but some of you are only a few miles away from each other!!

Use this list to find each other on Map My Run, you’ll love to look at the activity feed and see nothing but your packmates and their dogs!!!

 

 

30-Nov

Runs

Miles

1

Jessica Dudik

272

986

2

Steph Peske

297

942

3

Angela Cummings

494

854

4

Alan Hill

261

823

5

Amanda Christman

319

792

6

Tamara Hale

283

783

7

Carla Lytle

175

773

8

Sarah Fowler

205

635

9

Linnea Holmes

116

562

10

Michele Cooney

240

543

11

Kristen Davis

272

538

12

Lisa Cimbala

137

450

13

Liz Prady

121

380

14

Marisa Dombrowski

149

370

15

Ashley Gess

99

349

16

Kristin Consuegra

94

290

17

Rich Bugay

77

263

18

Joe Barnes

58

220

19

Sheena Salem

96

194

20

Krystal Blake

44

157

21

Abbey Conrad

53

151

22

Rachel Conrath

50

118

23

Katie Robinson

31

111

24

Brianne Falatovich

55

110

25

Seth Eaglehouse

48

106

26

Kinsey Auvil

32

91

27

Anna Roberts

20

63

28

Laryssa Lender

26

51

28

Sean Kelly

17

47

30

Natalie Pakosz

14

43

31

Giselle Obergfell

10

41

32

John Souder

13

39

33

Sarah Gardner

17

37

34

Sydney Kanuch

9

36

35

Angelina Souder

15

32

36

Diane Raible

11

23

37

Marissa Manko

3

13

38

Lauren Shovel

3

11

 

 

 

 

 Be careful out there, have fun, and tell your dog I said “Hi”!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

 

Happy Running,                                                                         

Jeff