At St. Joseph High School in California, the cross-country team does something special every year—they take shelter dogs on a morning run. This simple yet powerful program started in 2016 when a local animal shelter asked for help exercising their dogs. The students happily agreed, and since then, it has become an annual tradition.
Each runner is paired with a dog in need of adoption, giving the pups a chance to stretch their legs, enjoy the fresh air, and experience love outside the shelter. The students, in turn, learn compassion and responsibility, forming quick but meaningful bonds with their furry running partners.
Many shelter dogs spend months or even years waiting for a home, and some never get adopted. Programs like this help by giving dogs exercise, socialization, and a better chance at being noticed by potential adopters.
Coach Luis Escobar says the event is a favorite for both students and dogs:
“I don’t know who had more fun—the kids or the dogs.”
This easy-to-organize program could work in any community, benefiting both students and shelter animals. Just one run a year can bring joy to dogs in need and might even help them find a forever home.
Would your local school or shelter try something like this? 🐶❤️