DISTANCE: 7.34 km  DURATION: 1:36:59

It has been another 'funtastic' week with Miss Marley at our home. The air quality has not been the greatest so we have created new ways of exercise and outdoor entertainment. At the off-leash near our house Marley is always up for a game of chase, especially if she finds the perfect stick. We also play 'push-n-pull' with Marley's new toy. Marley was not interested in what was in the doggy toy box, so we headed to the pet store for the ideal grey plush elephant that took her fancy. Today's adventure was our longest yet, with full disclosure there was also a breakfast break along the way 😊. This sweetheart has become part of the family and just part of our home. Really glad we still have a couple more days with Miss Marley Mo Mo (my new term of endearment) she smiles every time I say this to her.

Runner and Pet Sitter: Michelle

DISTANCE: 5.97 km  DURATION: 1:03:35

Well... at least I can say my last run with Kahlua was eventful! We were both so excited to get going today and came out of the gate feeling awesome with a really fast pace. The smoke has cleared enough (or we've adjusted to it) so the lungs were feeling great... then things took an unexpected turn. About 4 blocks out, I suddenly realized a German Shepherd and its younger sibling were on the loose. and heading straight towards Kahlua.  There was an altercation but luckily all dogs were left unscathed.  A good Samaritan helped to coral them to their yard.   We were both a bit shook up after from this crazy experience! Thank you for being a wonderful running partner and companion this summer! I'll miss our regular runs but hopefully I'll see you from time to time in the months to come! The scoop: 5 pees, 2 poos.

Runner: Alyssa

DISTANCE: 8.35 km  DURATION: 1:05:13

It's great to see you Lincoln! It's been about three months since we've run together so let's go put some distance behind us!  This isn't really what I'd like to see as far as shade goes, but on the plus side the smoky sky helps the morning stay cool. Lots of other dogs out today, and several cyclists too!  The Scoop Score: #1 >10, #2 x01.  Lincoln was impressively well behaved with people today. I was expecting to get tackled when I came inside, and Lincoln was quietly ready.  See you next week!

Runner: Michael

DISTANCE: 6.01 km  DURATION: 1:06:16

I think Byrdie was part Bloodhound today as she was in full on sniff mode for the first 1.5K of our walk.  Her nose was to the ground and it looked like she was on a mission.  Companion dog Teddy followed suit and I had to be patient; not my strongest quality.  I also have a bit of adrenaline going as I am scheduled to skydive today and am terrified.  Once we got to Confederation Park, we saw several people birdwatching. This activity is definitely a practice in patience. Check out the photo of the gentleman with the huge telescope!  Once I embraced going slow, Byrdie decided to pick up the pace and went in sprinting mode.   All  in all, we had a very joyful outing!  The scoop: 2 pees.  Enjoy the weekend!

Walker: Ruth

DISTANCE: 7.32 km  DURATION: 1:03:19

Charlie was ready to go today! He was having a little nap when I arrived and I had to call him a few times to get him to come to the door but once he realized it was run time, he was ready to go! He had lots of energy and kept up a pretty steady pace. We had our usual stops to sniff and pee. I think Charlie likes going a bit earlier in the day especially if it's going to be hot in the afternoon. As you can see from the pictures, it is still really hazy but not as strong of a smoke smell today so we did not have to modify the run for either of us. I also think Charlie has lost a few pounds over the summer, he looks a bit leaner and he is running a bit faster, which is great.  We stopped about 5 or 6 times for a pee and he had one good poo.

Runner: Denise

DISTANCE: 5.55 km  DURATION: 1:00:46

I had a nice walk with Jasper this morning. Unfortunately, Teddy wasn't available to join us, but we still had a nice time. It was smokey, but it was still nice to be outside. We walked around the neighborhood, which was pretty nice. All in all, I'd say we had a pretty nice time. (2 poos, many pees)

Walker: Noah

DISTANCE: 4.50 km  DURATION: 59:00

Today is a story of different paces. I was greeted by Kenny's massive wiggle and his swishing tail. I opted to take one at a time so we could adjust our pace according to individual tastes. Kenny was first up and ready to take in all the joys of his neighbourhood. We spent quite a bit of time sniffing and examining and I assume everything was up to his standards as we slowly turned towards home. Sully did his best to be patient while we were away, but he let his excitement show when I bent over to tie up my shoes. Several kisses later and after retrieving my stolen hat back from Sully, we zipped out the door at a much faster clip. Sully also examined his neighbourhood but with more frenzied excitement than his older brother. But his exuberance lasted for only a kilometer or two and my gentle reminders of proper behaviour subsided. Both dogs got what they needed today and both returned home with a dangling tongue and a happy smile. The scoop: Kenny had 3 pees only. Sully had 1 poop, several pees.

Walker: Sheri

DISTANCE: 9.63 km  DURATION: 1:22:04

I have been looking forward to seeing Mira all week! Mully wasn’t feeling very well and had to go to the Doctor's. 😔 I’m praying he makes a full recovery.... Anyways, the air was a little less thick today.  It only felt like I smoked 1/2 a pack!😜 It didn’t seem to bother Mira one bit so I just went with it. We were both lost in our thoughts today.  It was quiet out and dare I say a little on the creepy side. That smoke almost makes you feel claustrophobic so I thought we may as well as hit the coulee; the air has to be better down there. Well our coulee crawl didn’t last very long! Yup, the moose are back. As a matter of fact, we almost ran right into it! 😳 We didn’t see it until it stood up! I made a noise, not sure what it was and snapped a picture as we quickly exited the scene😂. Mira and I hit a short trail on our way back home. Thanks for another crazy adventure Mira! 2 poos and several pees today. Until next time my friend. Cheers!

Runner: Tracy

DISTANCE: 6.30 km  DURATION: 59:01

I am happy to say, Freckles' foot is doing much better! But I have to report there was a casualty! A stuffed animal has been eaten and spread throughout the living room! We enjoyed a jog through some new paths and I am happy that 6K came quite easily for us. I carefully watched Miss Freckles to make sure she didn't get her paw bothered. The smell of fresh cut grass was present throughout our whole run. The smoke is starting to clear, so we could almost see the blue sky. Looking forward to next week Frecks. The Scoop: 2 poops, 3 pees.

Runner: Audra

DISTANCE: 7.25 km  DURATION: 59:09

The Junos and I braved the smoke this morning to head out on a decent little run. We didn’t go quite as far as we usually go as per the smoke, but the air quality has improved slightly so we headed out and made the best out of the sub-par conditions. The Junos ran well today, trotting beside me with matching smiles on their faces, and Juno F was pleased with the cooler weather. We headed down to the river where the orange smokey sun reflected on the water making for quite a scenic run. After a nice trot down the river, we headed back home. On our way back, we got delayed by both a train and the steep uphill, but we made our way back in time after a wonderful morning run. The scoop: 1 poo and 4 pees for Juno F.

Runner: Taylor

DISTANCE: 3.90 km  DURATION: 1:03:27

Good morning Elbow Valley Porties! How is everyone? Shadow and the Coffee Sisters were finishing up a quick snack when I arrived this morning. Shadow was first to finish and to be ready to get leashed up. Then Java came around and looked keen to come along. Finally, last but not least, Mocha. Shadow continued taking the lead for most of our walk. But he would also get his nose right down in whatever the ladies were sniffing too. It ended up being a bit of a scavenger party as I discouraged the pups from eating unidentifiable scraps off the ground. Java was happy to stay with us our whole walk, and even took the lead when she sensed we were close to home. And Mocha, I think is happy no matter what. Once home though, all three were so happy to be home! I didn't take it personally, as who could blame them? Scoop: Mocha and Shadow pood twice, Java had a very soft poop, and everyone peed.

Runner: Tammy

DISTANCE: 4.46 km  DURATION: 53:25

It is Friday and us gals are feeling GOOD! The smoke is beginning to clear, the birds are singing and the weekend is here! While the sky still looks rather gloomy, the air quality was noticeably better today than the rest of this week. Gibbs, Toki and I, all had a much easier time breathing and sharing giggles on today’s run. Gibbons was eager to show off her new sparkly cast on the 30 minutes that she joined us today. We made it just about 1.5 kilometres in the half hour, and then made a quick break for home. Toki and I took the last half rather easy, considering the lingering smoke, but still managed to get a solid jog in. T made friends with an adorable little guy named ‘Buddy’. Buddy’s owner laughed as Toki and I lapped them, blaming Buddy’s shorter legs. Once back home, Toki convinced sister Gibby to play with toys and even wrestle a bit. Gibbons is sure getting more energetic as the days go on, but I still make sure to be close by, keeping the wrestling to a gentle scrum. 1 poop and 2 pees for G, 6 pees for T. Happy weekend girls!

Runner: Jaime

DISTANCE: 6.65 km  DURATION: 1:05:11

It was a beautiful cool morning and Marley was thrilled. He did his favourite barrel roll in the grass to start our run and after a few moments he was happy to go. We met up with Sasha and Rusty for a quick hello. Lots of visits along the pathway including one with a Springer Spaniel on the way home. One poo and many pees.

Runner: Bob

DISTANCE: 1.77 km  DURATION: 30:08

Wow, holy smokes, hey girls? In lieu of running outside and damaging our lungs, I decided to do a bit more of an indoor play date along with our usually pond loop walk. Gibbons and Toki were a little more interested in cuddles and playing when I showed up (Gibbons wanted the cuddles and Toki wanted to play of course), so I settled in with them a little receiving plenty of Vizsla kisses. After some convincing to get Toki to leash up and for Gibbons to get out of bed, we had a nice lap around the pond, despite the smog that was descending upon us. We headed back home to be greeted by Gibbons and Toki’s dad and had a nice chat with him. It was a fun morning packed with cuddles, playing and a quick walk. The scoop: 1 pee each.

Runner: Taylor

DISTANCE: 7.43 km  DURATION: 1:12:48

Not only was the air so thick you could chew on it but I actually had to wear a coat this morning!?!? I’m either turning into a wimp or getting old.😳 Nothing could dampen Mona and Reilly’s spirits today, as soon as they saw each other it was business as usual.... PAR-TAY!😊 The gals and I headed to the pond where they played to their hearts' content! So much so that by the time we reached the top of the hill they were both behind me. My plan worked! Now we can take it easy.😜 The three of us happily strolled along through the streets and happened to come across one of Reilly’s neighbours and her pooch Buddy! He’s a cutie pie, Mona thought so but apparently Reilly and him are “frienemies” 😂 We all have 1 or 2 of those don’t we!😆 Anyways despite Mother Nature’s wicked ways, Mona, Reilly and I had another marvelous adventure. Thanks again ladies! 2 poos and many (so many) pees for both Reilly and Mona today. Cheers!

Runner: Tracy