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Meet Our Dog Runners

Learn about some of our Dog Runners

Runner Amanda with dog

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.

Runners Joe Steph and their dogs

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.

Runner-Mary

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!

Runner-Kristen

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!

Runner Angela with dog

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!

Runner Carla

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!

Runner-Alan

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.

Runner-Rich

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!

Runner Anna and Lily

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

Runner Sheena with Ava

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!

Sarah

Hey, I'm Sarah! I am a former college track athlete getting back into running. I joined HDRC because I think dogs make great running buddies! Other hobbies of mine include hiking, snowboarding, kayaking, and reading. I also love spending time with my family and friends. I do not currently own a dog, so I am grateful to get to spend a little time running and playing with your furry friend!

Runner Linnea

Linnea

Hi, my name is Linnea! I have been running for about 8 years now, and my favorite competition I ever did was a triathlon with my best friend as my teammate. I love to run long distance, and would like to try a half marathon soon! My passion for dogs started as a young child, and they motivate me to be the best person I can be. I don’t currently have my own dog (yet), so I would love to meet yours! When I am not running, I enjoy taking care of my horse and my rabbit (both of whom are rescues), skiing, reading, and learning to code.

Runner Michele and Ella

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!

runner Jessica

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.

Runner Tamara

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. 🙂

Runner Liz

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 am also a high school math teacher and basketball coach who loves to spend time with family and friends.

Jodie

Hi, My name is Jodie. I am a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach right here in Greensburg. I have always wanted to be a runner. After years of doing it because I like to push myself, I have recently found the "bug" and love running. I look forward to it. Being able to run with dogs makes it that much more enjoyable! My husband and I have two dogs of our own. Chief & Charlie. They are our kids! We enjoy being outside, hiking in the woods and Jeep drives! You may see us around town, Chief rides with his head out the top!

Katee

Hi! My name is Katee. I started running in 2009 and I continued to run competitively in college. Since then, I’ve enjoyed running for fun and strength training! My primary job is a mental health counselor. This is my first time as a dog runner, but I am very excited to start and have a companion while I run! In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, going to concerts, and spending time with my loved ones.

Dan

Hi, I'm Dan! I have been running since I was very young, including stints on my junior high and high school cross country and track teams. While I'm originally from the Poconos, I moved to Pittsburgh ten years ago to pursue a career in local television news. Last year, I moved into public relations, a field that allows me to spend more time with my partner Rebecca and our three (very good) dogs: Truman Capote, Dill Pickle, and Sussudio. I'm excited to help bring Happy Dog to the City of Pittsburgh and find more furry friends to run with!

Anna

Hi, I'm Anna! I am a senior at Seton Hill, and I run track and cross country for the school. I have run most of my life, but started training seriously when I went back to school. My boyfriend, Mark, and I have 2 doggys (Nellie & Buck), and 4 cats (Bentley, Finn, Fawkes, and Nova). We adore all the fur-kids, and their unique personalities. I am running with HDR as a fun way to get my recovery run days in. I always enjoy meeting new fur-friends!

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!

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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Learn more about our dog running services and the benefits of exercising your dog.

View Our Serices

Learn more about our dog running services and the benefits of exercising your dog.

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Set up a convenient time for us to meet you and your furry friend to discuss your needs and customize an exercise plan for your dog.

Schedule a Meeting

Set up a convenient time for us to meet you and your furry friend to discuss your needs and customize an exercise plan for your dog.

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