Dog Lovers

Your dog stories (Sept./Oct. 2016) were heartwarming and really resonated with me. I ran with Tilley, our Brittany spaniel, for 14 years. Being a field dog, she was tireless, training with me for half and full marathons. Like the editor’s dog Charlie, she would lure me into fields where she ran on top of the snow while I waded through waist-high drifts. I never learned. Wayne Buck New Hamburg, Ont. Thank you for the wonderful feature on runners and their rescued canine companions. Running with my Mexican rescue has become one of my favourite things. Before I had my second child I was a distance runner and had completed a few triathlons. Running became a side interest as life took over, entering the odd event and charity run. In the fall of 2014 we adopted a young dog from Mexico through an organization in Vancouver. And he liked to go fast! I ran to get him out and give him exercise, then I decided to start running for myself again. In the past year I’ve completed four half-marathons and a 15k, training with my favourite four-legged friend. I’ve also brought my girls into the fun, they’re now five and seven, and we’re all signed up for the Color Run 5k later this month. It’d be great to see an article on running with your kids, too! Jessica McIlroy North Vancouver, B.C.