Did You See This: Dog Bandits 1/2 Marathon Race

She sure can run! (Image Source)

Everyone once in awhile pets make the news in very amusing ways. One such story caught my attention of the last couple of weeks.

Runner's World reported that there was a dog in Alabama that was let outside to go to the bathroom. Unbeknownst to the owner, she wandered off and ended up completing a 1/2 Marathon.

She is happy to be participating! (Image Source)

According to the Runner's World article (which you can read here) This is not the first time the young dog has wandered off, but it is the first time she has become a race bandit. Runner's on the course said she stayed with them most of the way.

I wonder how far she can go and still keep a smile on her face! (Image Source)

While this story definitely brought a smile to my face, it did make me a little nervous. The good news is the pup is safe and no runner's were harmed by her impromptu entry. In the article it does say that since this is a small town everyone knows her owner, but what if they didn't. She could have been lost or picked up by animal control. While accidents do happen it makes me a little nervous when dogs are roaming unsupervised. I always recommend that they are leashed and have proper identification. This helps reduce the chance of them becoming lost. Again, sometimes despite our best efforts things can go wrong, however this is not the first time she roamed the town, I would just be worried that one time something serious could happen to her.

She definitely earned her medal! (Image Source)

All the publicity she has received has been very beneficial to this inaugural race as well as the town. Which is really good news. I think it is also great to encourage people and their pets to get exercise. There are not many dogs that could just go run 13.1 miles, then also wander home. Most of the time we would recommend gradually working yourself and your pet up to more strenuous exercise.

I really did love this story, it was definitely light-hearted and showed that this is an amazingly fit and social dog! I just hope that her future wanderings are limited so she stays nice and safe and can someday OFFICIALLY enter the race!