A high school track team is giving shelter dogs a chance to put their paws to the pavement this summer. Trotting in companionable silence alongside their two-legged counterparts, the dogs get the exercise they need and the chance to take in a whole new world of scents on their morning runs.
Videos by InspireMore
They’re racking up the miles with the so-called “Boss Cross”track team from Steinbrenner High School near Tampa, Florida. The mother of one of the runners pitched the idea to the track coach after hearing about a similar program in California, and he was immediately all in.
The mother of one of the runners pitched the idea to the track coach after hearing about a similar program in California, and Coach was immediately all in.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Glen Hatchell, a dog trainer who works with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, worked out a plan with the track coach, Bob Ennis, and the team recruited its first four-legged member earlier this month: Jasper, a three-year-old dog with more energy than he knows what to do with. Over the next couple of days, Jasper ran between five and six miles with the team.
The Dodo
In fact, one of the team members took such a liking to Jasper that he adopted the pup and will take Jasper with him in the fall to the University of Florida in Gainesville. I’m guessing the track team over there is about to get a new mascot!
Facebook
Although this shelter dog program will only run for the summer, Ennis is already planning to start it up again for next summer, hopefully with some more high school track teams on board.
People
Share if you agree more high schools and universities should implement this program!
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
