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High School Cross-Country Team Runs With Local Shelter Dogs To Help Get Them Adopted

The heartwarming initiative of the cross-country running team at St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria, California, took off in August 2016 when they decided to invite local shelter dogs to join them for a run.
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The Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter Source: Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter

The Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter gladly welcomed the idea, allowing their dogs to enjoy some outdoor time and exercise.

Coach Luis Escobar shared the joyous experience on Facebook. “I am not sure who was more excited and having the most fun—the dogs or the kids."

The heartening video gained widespread attention, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers, including coaches and runners from various schools. The positive impact even prompted inquiries and interest from coaches and athletic directors.

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St. Joseph High School Source: Luis Escobar

“After we got back, I posted something about it on our Facebook page. Almost immediately, it got hundreds of shares and thousands of likes. I got calls from coaches and athletic directors across the country asking about it,” Escobar added.

The initial fun run with local shelter dogs has not only been a hit locally but also sparked the potential for broader adoption in schools. The success prompted the students to organize a second run, enhancing the positive impact on both the dogs and the community

Coach Luis Escobar is thrilled with the outcome, emphasizing the win-win nature of the initiative. Escobar said, “It’s a win-win situation. The dogs get good exercise, and the kids get exposed to the dogs. Maybe they talk about it with their parents and friends, and maybe the dogs become more adoptable.”

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In my opinion, the initiative fosters qualities such as kindness and thoughtfulness among team members, offering hope for homeless shelter dogs. This experience blends fun exercise with the joy of being in a pack, creating a unique and beneficial dynamic.

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