Hounds and Harriers Run
2005 Endorsements

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                                                                                                Susan Dawson with Sparky and Gretl-->

 

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My Dogs

What weather we had, but despite it all the race went well and many, many thanks again to you for organizing this worthy event.  I ran last year with our Dalmatian Zillah; my 12 year old son, Connor (#78), ran this year with her and he says it is one of the best courses he has run and is already looking forward to next year.

Thank you for the advice regarding the change of clothes, extra sox and shoes- I printed it out for Connor to read and thus we came prepared. Had the suggestion come from just me it might not have been as well received. It was a memorable event, the rain only added to it!    Thanks again.

With appreciation, MJ Matheson

I did not tell Comet that the big race was yesterday.  I am so sorry about the weather.  I hope you had a successful race, nonetheless.  I chose to bow it for my own safety.  Hope next year is a bit drier.  Nancy Willis

I am sorry I could not come to the race, even since all of last week I was in New York City for training.  It took me one day 5 hours commuting - 3 hours to get to the city and 2 back.  Well by Friday I came down with a sore throat.  When it started pouring out I thought it best to opt out of the race.  I have a cold now so I guess I made the right decision.

I really wanted to go to the race and was so looking forward to it.  I am glad the turned out was good considering the weather.  I really would like to have met you, maybe Giralda or another race.  Definitely next year.  Regards,  Barb Hoess

I had such a nice run yesterday with Sunchi.  We really bonded and I have new admiration for her....what a champ!  Give Sunchi a hug for me.  Thanks for the good time and all your hard work. Celeste Fondaco

I hope you had a nice race yesterday and a good turn out regardless of the weather.  I wanted to thank you for contacting me Friday night, both by phone and e-mail. I'm sure I can't even begin to imagine all the last minute details that go into organizing an event such as this, so I really appreciate you’re taking the time to get in touch with me. Thanks again.  Fran Tyler

I just want again thank you for everything you do. Every year I come away with another story or two that when I share it amongst friends; I just smile ear to ear. There were several this year, but the one that comes to mind takes place just as we leave the soccer field on to the road. All the dogs are still all charged up and good 'ol Hudson is pulling me like he's the lead for some dog sled team! Usually when we're running he's on my left or right, but not when he's in "dog sled mode"...he's right in front. Well with all that water on the road, I felt like I was 3 feet behind an 18 wheeler with no splash guards! That guy was kicking up so much water, I wasn't only get mother nature's wrath, but back splash from 4 paws just churn'n it up down the road...you just had to laugh!!  Knowing all you put into this race, nothing was going to stop us on Saturday....my wife thought I was a little nuts...but she'd played her role and gave Hudson a great warm shower when he came home! Again, much thanks for making these great memories for a great cause possible. Regards, Charlie & Hudson Lewis

The big tree came down about 15 feet in front of me and Shadow - it scared the heck out of me, but luckily Shadow had stopped about 30 seconds before to relieve himself - thank goodness!  So, since I was in 84th place - it didn't impact too many other hounds or harriers!  Can you tell me where the photos will be posted, or will they be emailed?  Also, would you know where the pics from the Country Squire Run may be found?  I came in 3rd for my age group (51), so they did take a picture of us.  Thanks for all your hard work - our first time out, it was still a lot of fun despite the rain.  Debbie Bell and Shadow

Don't count Ernie out just yet.  He had a bad day.  He has days when he is way more alert and spry.  Can't thank you enough for the effort you and your volunteers put in.  Even with the weather, things went so well.

Dillon competed well.  He pulled real hard for 2 miles as we stalked a couple of runners ahead of us.  After he passed them he stopped pulling when I could have used it.  I faded a lot in the last mile and was glad to see the finish.  Amazing about that big tree.  Thank God nothing happened.

That 14 year old BC mix looks great...I was shocked when you said his age.

For the first time in several years I was able to finish in front of Bill (Winterbottom).  Kate slowed him down.  She appeared to be running comfortable, but wasn't pulling at all.  He urged her verbally several times but she just kept running the same.  Dillon pulled hard to pass them.  I probably couldn't have done it without his pulling.  After the race Bill said he did a 5 miler at just over 6:00 pace last week.  I couldn't do that now.  I had hoped to break 19 but…

By the way, my Achilles was doing so well.  The race killed them.  I guess the harder pushing and the  racing flats did me in.  They are really bad right now.  I couldn't even think of running.  But I have nothing else on the schedule right now so I can rest them up for a while.  Mark DePiano

Hi Barbara, Thanks for a great time!  Ira Augenzucker & Keiko

We had a great time.  Sparky gets slower and Gretl just seems to get faster despite her age.  Although we have the gear for the weather, it was nice to have the extra tents.  I know you think I'm nuts, but I can tell that the dogs really enjoyed the event too.  Gretl was happy all day and then slept soundly all night.  Sparky is very social and loves the big bins of biscuits.  We're counting the days until the next Hounds and Harriers.  Robin is already putting together his "training strategy."

You are doing a great service for St. Hubert 's not only in raising funds but in awareness.  Hounds & Harriers is truly a well-run and FUN event. 

Special thanks to all the volunteers, not the best day to stand at the corner directing traffic, but they were there all smiling and cheering us on.  Handing out cups of water in the pouring rain. Best wishes,  Susan Dawson.  P.S.  If anyone asks you about coats, just give them my e-mail address.  All proceeds go to St. Hubert ’s.

Great job again this year!  Chris Bogash (volunteer)

Thank you again for a most wonderful event. It is the best run I do every year!  I am very impressed by your volunteers who stood firm and remained cheerful in spite of the weather. Lots of thanks to them.  Regards,   - Etienne (another unpronounceable name) and Jessie the Staf.

Sparky is hoarding the lion dog toy from Morris Animal Inn that came with the certificate.  He loves all of the appendages.  He sleeps with it during the day.  The latest novelty.  I guess you'll be on the MVP list for St. Hubert ’s.  I think your last minute pitch about the Katrina animals worked well.  About the weather, most of us have to exercise our dogs despite the weather, so why not have a good time about it.  Again, thank you, thank you for putting in all the effort into making . 

This is a great event.  (P.S. there's really nothing you could do about the tree, just thank your lucky stars that it hit no one.)  I can see the last ten runners coming in and thinking, well she did warn us that the park trails were a bit treacherous.  Susan Dawson

Great job as always.  I was so soaked from my run I did not even notice the rain !!  Well done.  Regards, Craig Osten (volunteer)

I am glad some people made it.  I am coming from Philadelphia , and the weather was really bad here.  I did not look forward a long drive with such bad weather.  Anyway, I was wondering if you could send me my T-shirt and goody bad for Sparkle, my dog, so I do not have to come all the way up there, even if I would love to visit the shelter.  Please let me know how much I have to send for postage.  I really appreciate it, if it does not take too much time from you.  Thanks.  Stella Reynolds

I wanted to tell you how much my husband, Maximus and Bosco and I enjoyed the race on Saturday (rain and all!!).  What you pulled together was absolutely amazing.  I look forward to next year!!  Congrats on a *very* successful event.  And, a *BIG* thanks from the Chiantera family.  Michelle, Mike, Maximus and Bosco Chiantera

Thank you again for another beautifully organized race.  A funny thing about that tree coming down on the horse trail --
Chance and I heard a loud "thunk." He jumped straight up in the air (and I did, too!) We turned back to see that tree 
about 20 feet behind us. Whew! And thank goodness no one was trailing closely behind.  Anne Volz

I had so much fun participating in this event (as did Emma) and I hope to back for many more years!  Thank you for 
all the good work you do, Sara Erb

I  just want to say Thank You sooo much for getting Luna and I a number ready last minute. I was supposed to be 
away on business but thankfully I didn't have to go because I got the opportunity to participate in this really fun 
experience. Despite the rain, we had an awesome time. With all the excitement prior to the race, we barely noticed 
the rain. It was the first 5K run we ever participated in and without any real training this season we did better than I 
had expected. I would have been happy just finishing the race but thanks to Luna, who shot out like a cannon once 
you said "ready, set, go", we finished under 30 minutes. I let her set the pace and I was just praying that my legs 
could keep up and that I could keep from sliding across the muddy soccer field. She performed like a true Husky, 
focused, and in line, pulling her pack to the finish. I just think she was a little disappointed I didn't have my roller 
blades on so that she could pull me that much faster. I think I ran the whole race with a huge smile on my fast 
because I knew how much fun Luna was having seeing so many dogs run along side her. She was definitely one 
happy dog that day. What a great day to spoil your dog!! We will definitely be back next year and hopefully we can 
bring along a few more friends to also participate. They should have more of these events throughout the year! 

You guys did a Great Job on such a rainy day!! You and your team deserved a round of awards as well!!! Great Job 
also to all those race officials and participants who cheered us on along the way. Great job to the neighboring 
residents who stood at their doors to cheer us on as we passed their homes. We hope to see you again next year.  
Best of Luck, Diana Pedraza and Luna

Thank you Barbara for all your hard work that you put into making this such a great race.  It is one of the most 
enjoyable races that I run and Basil loves running with all those dogs!  Thanks again.  Janet Wall 

Congratulations on running a great race under such challenging circumstances!!  I don't think the dogs minded the rain one bit.  I was really impressed with the turnout, you have many loyal participants.    I tried to take a few photos while one of our daughters held an umbrella over my camera - I'll let you know if they are any good.  DeDe Paul

Thanks for the call.  I did not realize I had placed in the race on Sat.  It was a blast by the way, loved the rain.  Thanks!  Susan Stevenson

I just would like to say, you did a wonderful job in organizing the race. Especially with the weather conditions, I think it went as smoothly as could possibly go.  I know Trinity had a wonderful time as always and would like to know if we can purchase any of the pictures of us.    Thank you for everything,    Tien M. Tran

Thanks for the update - I think you and your team did a great job getting us right to the starting line on time, the course was well marked, and none of the dogs seemed to mind the rain...Skippy loved every minute of it!  Diane Redling

I love your race and I really enjoy the emails as well. Keep them coming.  Robert Tona

I heard about the rain from friends in New York and I was thinking of you and your race. Too bad it wasn't the weekend before when the weather was great.  It must have been quite a job to be the race organizer under those conditions, sounds like a lot of extra work and having fewer volunteers than expected --- YIKES: I am glad you were able to pull it off.

I had a great weekend in New York and I am looking forward to going back for the marathon.  Hope the weather has turned to the better by now.  Take care and all the best from Grete Waitz

Our time improved a little this year.  I was a little concerned about what our time would be as we were not able to run together too much.  With the hot weather in August and the beginning of September I was only really able to run with E.D. for about 5 weeks prior to the race.  I think the rain helped us.  The first year we ran (2002) the weather was similar, but we had such a good time then we were hoping for rain the next year.  I do not know if E.D. likes running in the rain, but I know he likes the large puddle that was right around the corner from the finish line.  Right after we crossed the finish line he headed right over to the puddle and laid down it in (like he did in 2002).  I think the spectators at the finish line got a kick out of see him lying in the puddle.  It was also fun for my daughter she liked seeing all the dogs and splashing about in the puddles with her new boots.

The running belt was a very generous gift.  We will definitely use it.  I do not feel to too silly after reading that you tried to put it on over your head.  I initially put it on by stepping into it.  I felt like I was climbing into a rock climbing belt with all the straps and Velcro.  I finally figured it out.  It is really nice.

The toy inside the donor bag was pretty good.  Usually E.D. tears through those toys (ripping the stuffing out) in about 5 minutes, but this one had a hard center like a big tennis ball, so it is still being used.  Once again the goody bag was one of the best.

I will have to come with a new way to raise money next year (and I will).  I will be doing a couple of half-ironman triathlons again next year, but I want to hold off on looking for sponsors until 2007 when I do the full Ironman.  I am hoping Hound and Harriers race will still be happening in 2007 and E.D. is still going strong.  I know he has a least one more good year in him.  Anyway, already looking forward to next year, and unlike most people we will not be too upset if it is raining.  Peter Hyland

It sounds like the race was a success, and the weather did not put a damper on the festivities at all!  Congratulations!  Ajax and I missed the run, sorry to have broken our streak but it could not be avoided.  Take care, Trice Guella

Fun no matter what the weather.Beth Berger (volunteer)

I don't know who to praise more: You, for all of your hard work, year after year, to make this the best race ever; your amazing volunteers who happily showed up to do their best to help keep the event afloat; or the runners whose entries go the distance to help the homeless dogs and cats in the St. Hubert's shelters.  Now that I think of it, maybe it was sort of appropriate for it be raining cats and dogs!  Many thanks for all you do!   Sherry Brosnahan (volunteer)

From my little corner of the race, things could not have been better organized or more fun.  Once again you did an outstanding job and I wear my shirt (thanks) with pride.  Count us in for next year!  Rich Hatley (volunteer and owner of water stop house). 

Thank you for putting on a great race!!!  Steve and I enjoy this event so much.  We've been competitive (?) runners and since we became dog parents, we're glad we can share our love for racing with our 4 footed children.  Peewee our third golden, first female, seems to be the fastest and her times are only slowed down by her human companions.  I must admit we don't "run" her regularly but cross train.  We have a 3 acre property with an invisible fence and she has a minimum half-hour "ballie" session per day followed by swimming in summer.  Winter pool swimming is replaced with hiking in a local park.  We start to prepare for H&H by running on trails in late August and September (weather permitting).  I replaced myself with Steve last year, seeing I would not do Peewee justice (Steve is a faster runner and she showed great promise for a one year old last year).  This year Steve's running is plagued by hamstring problems and we weren't sure he'd be able to run with her.  However, he warmed up and refused to step out and let me run with her.  They bettered their time from last year and although Steve was hurting through the run, he said he wouldn't miss the event even if he would never race again. Once again thank you and congrats!! you do a grrrrreat job.  Sincerely, Eva Fisher