Seize the Day 5K

Posted on October 23, 2021 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

Hey everyone! I’m excited to announce I did my very first 5K! For those of you who don’t know me very well, my brain has epic raves without my consent…my Mom says its called “seizures” … I just think she can’t handle that I’m a total PAWty animal. This 5K was important for me because in registering for this event, a donation was made to an organization that helps research a cure for epilepsy!

Like everything else I do, I completed this 5K in my MY own special way.

First, I leashed-up my Mom and took her on a 0.71 mile stroll (Mom said in walking for epilepsy, we were helping those with seizures by taking “steps toward zero).” A 0.71 mile walk is a far distance for me since sometimes the many anti-seizure medications I take cause ataxia, so I stumble often and tire out much quicker than the average 4 year old Pointer.

For the next 2.02 miles, I had my mom chauffeur me around town in my Chariot (Mom insists that it’s a “bike trailer” made especially for dogs 🙄) . We discovered my Mom’s electric bike had a flat, so we hooked up my Chariot to her regular street bike and set out “on the road to zero!” Lucky for me school was just letting out… our town doesn’t have a bus service so all the kids ride their bikes to/from school, and they love to say hello to me as they zoom past us (don’t tell her I said so, but my mom is super slow on a bike).

We only had 0.38 miles left to go until I could get my award for completion of my first 5K, so I had my mom transfer me over to my Trophy Trolley (which mom incorrectly refers to as the doggie stroller😑). The “stroller” was originally bought for my sister, Rita…but I think Sweet Reet would want me to use it in her honor. I love the “stroller” because many people stop to ask all about me and while they pet me, my mom gets the chance to spread awareness about rescue, epilepsy, and “seizing the day.”

Remember: Two feet may move the body, but four feet move the soul. Humans need you – so all you puppers out there, grab your PAWrent and walk some miles for mutts! You don’t even have to be fast to participate in a race – in fact, the MORE time you spend with your human, the better!! My mom will be posting any dog-related 5K’s she finds in case anyone wants to join in on the fun. It’s never too late to sign up – and for most virtual race organizations, even if the race time frame has passed, proceeds from your registration will still be donated to the selected charity!

A portion of the proceeds from the Virtual Strides “Seize the Day” virtual race was donated to CURE. CURE is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. The organization was founded by a group of parents of children with epilepsy who felt helpless in protecting their children from seizures and the harsh side effects of some of the medications. Since its origination in 1998, CURE has raised more than $34 million to fund research and initiatives that aid in leading the way to a cure for epilepsy.

Shanahan Strides

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Cello's Corner | 3 Comments

Margarita’s longest challenge yet… 63 miles! Margarita participated in Bishop Shanahan High School ’s “Shanahan Strides” event.

Each mile represents a Bishop Shanahan graduating class. All proceeds were used to provide immediate relief for students who are in need of tuition assistance.

Run of the Pets 5k

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Cello's Corner | Leave a comment

Margarita participated in “Run of the Pets” which was hosted by Virtual Strides.

A portion of the entry fee was donated to Best Friends Animal Society. The mission of Best Friends Animal Society is to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. They do this by helping end the killing in America’s animal shelters through building community programs and partnerships all across the nation. ✌🏼❤️🐾.

Virtual Strides hosted this event is in memory of Cooper, Virtual Strides’ very first shipping assistant, and an all around good boy. ❤️🌈🐾.

One Tough Mother Runner

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

Margarita ran the “One Tough Mother Runner,” hosted by Virtual Strides!

Did you know that there are more than two million children in the United States who have lost one or both of their parents? Research shows that 1 in 20 children experience the death of a parent before the age of 16. The “One Tough Mother Runner” race helped to benefit Family Lives On – an organization that provides ongoing support to these grieving children. The Foundation’s Tradition Program encourages the healthy emotional development of these children by providing annual opportunities for remembering deceased parents, and creating a safe haven for children for grief, communication and celebration. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit FamilyLivesOn.org.

During our first race, Rita decided several potty breaks were needed, which slowed us down quite a bit. However, this time I was the one slowing us down, as I just didn’t have the energy to keep up with her! Rita was raring to go, and ran the entire time with stamina to go even further! Rita even got to see her first deer (a baby!) on this run, as we had to stop to let the deer cross the road so it didn’t get “spooked.”

Our finish time was 33 minutes, 57 seconds for this race. We were able to shave off 7 minutes, 32 seconds off our first race!

I am someone who could never – would never- even think about running without music. I actually am not a huge fan of running, and a playlist of my favorite songs usually distracted me enough to get the job done. I did not wear ear buds while running along with Margarita, as we do not have roads in this town – we have trails – and they are very narrow! I wanted to be sure that I was 100% aware of our surroundings while on the “roads” in our town in order to protect Rita from moving cars, spooked deer darting out of the woods, or loose dogs. I have to say, praising Rita and the interactions I have with her during our runs are far more motivating than ANY playlist!

Congratulations on a job well done, Rita!

Congratulations, Rita!

Rita’s total race miles : 6.24 miles

“Run Free” Virtual 5k

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Cello's Corner | 1 Comment

Rita and I ran our first 5K together through a site called Virtual Strides. Virtual Strides provides an opportunity to participate in a virtual race (which can be run or walked!) anytime — anywhere– with whoever your want — and even indoors on a treadmill! Once you register for one of the virtual races, you can complete the distance any time and anywhere, and upload your finish time to the website. Virtual Strides will mail you a finisher’s medal after you upload your results, or at the end of the race period, whichever comes first. The best part is that a portion of the race’s proceeds gets donated to charity!

Rita and I ran the “Run Free” race.

This race benefited the National Mill Dog Rescue. National Mill Dog Rescue has pledged to put an end to the puppy mill industry, and has saved more than 10,000 dogs since 2007. National Mill Dog Rescue hopes to educate the public to acquire their companion animals through reputable breeders, shelters, and rescue groups.

Once you register, you can download a running bib:

Rita did GREAT! This was the first time I ever ran without music (running with music has been a MUST for me). I wanted to be sure I could hear everything around us in order to protect Margarita in case there was a loose dog, etc. I have to say – talking to Rita through the run was way more motivational than any music!

Our finishing time was 40 minutes, 25 seconds. Not bad considering Margarita decided she’d stop 3 times for potty breaks, TWO of which needed to be bagged-up, if you know what I mean!