Running for Rescues

Animals are something I think a lot about when I'm running. Now that I'm training for the NYC Marathon, I'm doing a lot of running, so it's easy to see that I gave the idea of "what I could do to help animals" quite a bit of thought.

After I started doing research and began volunteering with rescued dogs, I felt empowered and enlightened. Soon, however, that feeling was replaced by being discouraged and overwhelmed by all of the bad things happening that I had no control over.

None of the animals I met deserved anything but a loving home, and I was reminded constantly of the mistreatment of animals and the terrible things that human beings are capable of. But, we are also capable of amazing, good things - and that side is what really gives me hope that society as a whole can make a change.

One day it came to me, my running didn't have to just be a place where I could process my thoughts about animals - it was something that could make a difference for animals. I drafted an email to my friends and family and "Running for Rescues" was born.

I decided that by running, I could encourage people to donate a certain amount per mile run to animal shelters or rescues of their choice. After one month, the program is already up to $1,300 pledged - thanks to the incredible support of my family, friends and coworkers.

Now, when I run, it gives me something to run for, and it gave me a way to combine my passion for running and my passion for animals and to help call people to action.

In NYC this November, I plan to create a shirt for Running for Rescues, so it might be noticed by a fellow runner or one of the millions of spectators. In all honesty, I don't really know if my efforts will change anyone's mind about the importance of adopting animals from a shelter.

But if a couple people start to think about the issue and start to see things in a different way, I will feel like I've already won ... even before I cross the finish line.