Monster Milers: Run a PAWS Shelter Dog

Although living in the city is great, there are occasionally downfalls… such as endless supermarket lines, loads of Pizza options circa 2 AM and pesky leases that prohibit dogs.

Don’t fret dog-lovers… there’s a program that allows you to “time-share” dogs… ethically.

Monster Milers

The Monster Milers is a group of runners who run the PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) dogs to “connect Philadelphia runners with homeless dogs as running companions”.  Benefits for the pups are giving them exercise, time out of the shelter, and a little bit of runner’s love.  The running outlet for these canine pals have resulted in less frantic behavior when adopters meet them – and much faster adoptions.

Founder of the group, Carrie Maria is owner of the Monster Minders Dog Walking… and even came up with this amazing idea on a run of hers! USA Today, Runners World and a lots of news media have done stories on the Monster Milers’ volunteer efforts.

Because of my current lack of dog ownership ability under present circumstances hectic schedule and love of dogs, I started volunteering with this group last Fall.  All of the dogs I run are absolutely incredible and always so excited for some ‘people’ time.

Bad stereotypes about pit bulls?  Just spend 1 run with dogs like Emerson or Chelsey, and realize it’s just a bad rap for these happy lovebugs. (Post-runs, I love stretching and hanging with the dogs – although they occasionally think they’re lap dogs during a belly rub.) PAWS takes in and adopts all breeds, but Philly is a pit-loving city. Besides, who wouldn’t want a 60-80 lb dog to kick their ass and step up their exercise regime?  Luckily I can’t adopt a dog currently, or I’d probably turn into a PAWS dog hoarder featured on Animal Planet. (kidding! ;-))

 How to Volunteer with Shelter Dogs & Monster Milers

Want to volunteer or simply help support the Monster Milers program?  Check out the Monster Milers website, Facebook, and Twitter! Also, stay tuned for the upcoming benefit run: the Rescue Run 5K – currently in planning stages.

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher