Roxie in happier times, at the South Carolina coast.

In March, I started the conversation about getting fit, and the energy I found that comes from running races. I also mentioned once or twice in previous columns about putting down our dog, Roxie, back in January. Well, my pick this weekend touches on both issues as I continue my effort to exercise regularly, and finally repair the whole in my heart left behind by a big, white, spotted dog.

I wasn’t ready before but now I am. I’m finally ready to open my heart to a new four legged companion. Roxie was such a big personality. I had to give her the time she deserved to rest peacefully in my mind. She needed to roam this house with her spirit and jump on every piece of furniture after I rearranged it. I hope she knows how much she is missed. And how ready we are to love another dog the way we loved her.

That said, I’m hoping you will all join me Saturday at 8am for the Pawz Too Run 5k, 10K, and Community Dog Walk in Davidson on the Village Green. It is here that I plan to continue on my fitness journey, and finally fill the paw-print hole in our life vacated by our beloved Roxie.

For information on registering for the race, along with the day’s events, please visit the sponsoring organization’s website at friendsoftheanimals.net. Committed to fostering responsible pet ownership, providing low-cost spay and neuter services, and promoting homeless pet adoption, according to their mission statement, I can’t think of a better group deserving of our community’s support.

So, come on out, dog lovers and fitness junkies alike. Support Friends of the Animals, support me, and support all of our efforts to be fit by this summer. Who knows, you just might leave with a new furry friend.

Robin Gibson is a writer living in Cornelius. You can find her blog at http://www.robingibsonart.com/blog.html. See her previous columns under the “Robin Gibson” category.

RELATED LINKS

April 9, 2013, “Pawz Too Run races, dog walk aid Friends of the Animals.”