DISTANCE: 8.65 km  DURATION: 1 hour 21 minutes

I get so excited to run Herbie as it only happens from time to time and he is such a  dream to run.  Today's weather called for some extra warmth so I put on Herbie's Burberry jacket and he looked so dashing!  The sidewalks were pretty slick and icy so today was all about slow and steady.  I did not want to rush a  single minute with this sweet boy.   My game-plan was to go a bit longer and make it to Pet Planet for a treat for Herbie  but construction and the store not opening in time foiled those plans. So I headed down to Lole where I am a Fitness Ambassador and took some photos.   We then did some major hills to work our way back to his home when I noticed he was no longer wearing his jacket! I was upset but had to think clearly and breathe.  I decided to drop him off and drive around to retrace my steps.  I followed my Runkeeper map and I also looked at some photos to realize he did not have his jacket on in them.  I remember a ledge we needed to navigate to steer away from sheer ice and voila, I found his jacket. Mystery solved!  Herbie was such a  trooper and our run was awesome despite the jacket incident.  I have to say, I think he was looking at me in the photos to say, "Ruth, where's my jacket?"  The Scoop: 1 poo, 3 pees. 

Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 8.02 km  DURATION: 1:05:19

Written by Ruth
How wonderful to see two lovely faces from my past today.  The first face was Lucia who worked out with me at Union Athletica and who will now be running with DGR.  She is lovely!  The second face was the adorable and kissable one of Pitty Herbie.   Our run was nice and steady so we could talk and make sure Herbie didn't go too hard for his first run back.  He was definitely a role model dog today as he did not pull, listened nicely, and did not even lunge for squirrels or a big hare we saw.  Wowza! I think the only scary thing we saw today was a huge Halloween lawn display. We still have over a month before this holiday but some people are keeners.  Herbie was also not impressed with the inflatables as evidenced by the above photo.  All in all, it was a picture perfect run with some sweet faces!  The scoop: no poop and 3-4 pees. Herbie went straight to bed post run.  Have a great nap, buddy!

Written by Lucia
Today was my first day on the job and after meeting with Ruth and Herbie, I got a good sense of what this position is all about. These are the top three things I learnt today: 1) Pitbulls have the softest ears and the kindest hearts; 2) It is a fashion statement to match the leash with your running gloves; and 3) Autumn is the most beautiful season to take photos with your running buddy. I’ll be meeting many more of my furry co=workers in the months to come, and it’s not far-fetched to say I’m looking forward to building relationships with them too!

Runners: Ruth and Lucia

DISTANCE: 9.01 km  DURATION: 59:13

It's a wet one out there Herbie but that's okay because we are going to have a great time singing in the rain.  Just kidding! I have a terrible singing voice so I will spare you.  Herbie had a pretty fast start but I wanted to make sure we took it a bit easier for his first run since his sore paw.  Everything looked so green outside, and Herbie enjoyed smelling the  pretty flowers and other scents.  We took a different route that led us through some quiet neighbourhoods where we only saw a few people out walking their dogs.  Herbie's ears perked up but he is a pretty chill dog when we went past other doggies.  He is such a sweetheart!   Well, your paw looks better buddy!  Thanks for the great run.  The scoop: 1 poo and 4 pees.

Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 8.16 km  DURATION: 59 minutes

Herbie and I had an amazing morning!! He was so excited when I came in, he even gave me a kiss on the cheek. 😍 The weather was perfect for running and kept us cool and comfortable! I loved how Herbie does sprint intervals!! What great cardio training!! When we would pause for a treat and I would talk to him he has this adorable head tilt and sweetest voice talking back!! Wow, what a cutie!! I have a new amazing friend and can't wait for another opportunity to go running with him!!! He had 4 pees and 1 poop.

Runner: Oxana

DISTANCE: 10.12 km  DURATION: 1:03:57

Herbie, you make my heart melt!  I just adore running with this Chocolate Pitty who has an even steady pace unless he sees a squirrel and then it is sprint time.  He is also such a  gentle soul so I wish anyone who has any fear of this breed could spend time with him and they would fall in love.  We did an interesting route today which was pretty much go up one street for 10-15 blocks and then go down the next street over for 10-15 blocks.  The sidewalks were clear and I was on the lookout for cool neighbourhood art.  We did get our photo by the famous fence made out of skis but I must say that I think Herbie's house is one of the more interesting and creative places with all of its cool art (see photo).  The scoop: 1 poop and 5 pees.  I enjoyed our post-run cuddles Herbie. Have a great weekend!

Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 9.33 km. DURATION: 59:32

Hey handsome! How are you doing this morning?! Herbie gave me a nice sweet welcome with lots of energy and excitement. He was definitely ready to go for a speedy run. We got ready quick and got going. The weather was beautiful! It's finally warming up and sun is shining super bright. The pathways were noticeably drier and clearer then the last time I ran in Copperfield. It’s finally starting to feel more and more like spring! (Yay!!!) Herbie is such a pleasure to run with. He doesn't like to stop unless it’s important business. And, boy, did he have a big one today. I think he was trying to impress me with the size, (haha...) because he looked super proud. (Nice job Herbie!!) When we got back to the house we had some extra time for lots of treats, hugs, and cuddles. Great run! Thanks Herbie! 😘
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Runner: Nadiya

DISTANCE: 8.17 km. DURATION: 58:47

Herbie wins the coach of the week award. I was a little tired coming from running Freckles but he kept me moving, kept a wicked pace and generally wouldn’t stop running. He barely stopped for sniffs and didn’t even look twice at people we went past. He looked back and checked on me every once in a while and definitely wanted the full run. I had a blast. His recall is amazing because a few times he started running faster than I could go and he quickly listened and hung back a bit. Total trooper! We kept in the sun to get the most out of this gorgeous weather and it was a pleasure meeting him.  Poop and scoop: 1 poop, 5 pees.
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Runner: Christina

DISTANCE: 8.76 km  DURATION: 1:10:34

Hi Herbie!! I'm sure glad I got to run you today. You're built like a runner!! Herbie was thrilled when I walked through the door, as was I! He jumped right up on his bench, showed me his stuff, and he was ready to go! We set off today to explore the neighbourhoods of New Brighton and Copperfield, Herbie was an excellent tour guide. My favourite thing about running new dogs is exploring neighbourhoods of the city that I have never been to, it feels like a different world down here! Herbie was a speedster running to each distinct smell he could find. If was a great way to start off the day and I'm sure glad I got to spend it with this handsome pup! Thanks for the run, Herbie! The scoop: 1 poop, 8 pees.

Runner: Paige

DISTANCE: 9.53 km  DURATION: 58:36

Hi Herbie, are you feeling a little reluctant to go out in the freezing temps like me?  I think he had that thought for a nanosecond as he was stretching and doing his downward dog yoga pose but then when I picked up his collar, he was game on.  I think Herbie is like an Olympic athlete as he just stays focused and committed to his workout even in extreme conditions.  I must say that the sun really added a bit of heat and we both seemed pretty warm.  Herbie has his fancy coat on but I kept checking any exposed areas but all seemed good.  This run was actually easier than the one I did this weekend through Nose Hill and deep snow.  The pavement was very clear and it was not even very icy.  Herbie was a champ at keeping a steady and quick pace and he is as fit as a fiddle.  There was little to report as there were not many people or dogs out and about.   We got home with some time to have a few cuddles and a treat or two,    Herbie definitely deserved a spot on the Olympic podium today.  The scoop: 6 pees and 1 poo.  Have a chill (get it?) afternoon Herbie!

Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 9.49 km  DURATION: 1:05:44

Hey Herbie! How you doing, buddy?! Nice to meet you! As soon as I got to the house, Herbie started talking to me and complaining about me taking too long to get ready. He could not wait to get going, so we bundled up quickly and started our cold run in about -20C (Brrrr!) Mind you, it was sunny and very quiet. Herbie is very impressive with his speed and stamina. He got the business out of the way quickly and we just kept going. Then we decided to stop and take a picture and Herbie started talking to me again and picking up his paws off the ground. “Oh, now I know why you don’t like to stop!” Guess what, bud, I am ready for you!! I brought booties! Herbie did not seem impressed. He is such a manly guy, so he wasn’t experienced in wearing shoes at all. The first couple of steps in the booties, he had me laughing hard, but he got used to them faster than I thought he would. We finished our run with feet and paws nice and cozy. Overall, it was a great run with great company and poor weather conditions but Herbie and I made the best of it! The Scoop: 1 poop, 4 pees.

Runner: Nadiya

DISTANCE: 10 km  DURATION: 1:15:00

Herbie, is a wonderful ball of Pitbull love! Today was all about the Herbie! He wants to stop, we stop, he wants to go right, we go right! My job today and everyday is to make sure the happy puppy stays happy and entertained for this hour or so that we have together. Yes, it was icy, but we had a blast. Starting off with the jacket!!! Why the heck wouldn’t it stay on? Then the poop! In the middle of the intersection! Then the Runkeeper! Did you really turn off?! Full moon, blue moon whatever is out there, it is making us all a little crazy! Let’s just roll with it! Herbie, is one of the nicest dogs I have ever met! Thank you for the run today, and I hope to see you again soon!  The scoop: 1 poop, 11 pees.

Runner: Audra

DISTANCE: 10.15 km  DURATION: 1:03:00

Although the temperature when I woke up was -17C and snowing, I could not help but smile when I knew I would soon be running Herbie for our first hour run together. Herbie was excited too as he started to talk to me ( see bottom photo) when I was getting ready to take him out.  We both just dressed appropriately with winter gear and headed to River Park.  It was pretty amazing because we had most of the pathway section down by Sandy Beach all to ourselves with only a Belgian Shepherd out enjoying the winter wonderland.  I love when there are light snowflakes falling and all we can hear are our breaths and maybe a tiny jingle of the dog tags and the crunch of snow under out feet/paws.  It was quite magical!  We kept quite warm though I think Herbie may have been a bit cold on his backside so when we got home, I thought some snuggles and pats were in order.  He reciprocated with a kiss or two.  Thanks for the great workout buddy. The scoop: lots and lots of pees but no poos.  Freezing weather is definitely not a deterrent when getting to run this gentle guy.  Thanks for the workout!

Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 6.74 km  DURATION: 46 minutes

This evening,  I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely Pitty Rescue named Herbie and his dad..  Some rescues come with a story and Herbie's story is all about resilience. He was so sweet as he patiently waited for his run and even gave me a few licks when I was lacing up my shoes.   Yes, Herbie is a Love Bug! We feel lucky to be part of his on-going story and get to run with him. Tonight, there were a few dogs and runners out along River Park and Herbie was well behaved and respectful.  He also ran like a dream; you can tell he is one athletic dog who loves the opportunity to stretch his legs and sprint from time to time.  His overall pace was fast and steady and he listened really well to lots of commands.  We were having so much fun, that we got distracted and added a bit more distance to our first run. Upon returning home, it was clear that Herbie was a bit tired but definitely one happy guy! He is definitely a great fit for DGR. The Scoop: several pees only.  See you next week Herbie for your first official run!
 
Runners: Ruth