This past weekend mom and I ‘pawticipated’ at Lutheran Medical Center’s Heroes of Hope race featuring a 10K, 5K and a 1-mile walk. Sam here. Like a few others in the pet therapy program we competed in the 1-mile walk. But first we had to check in at registration where this terrific volunteer had to have a photo with me. She told me I could help her check in the other pawticipants but it was such a lovely cool morning so I decided to ‘walk the walk’ with my peeps figuring there would be all kinds of fur-bulous adventures just for me. It was a good calculation on my part as you can see from mom’s gazillion photos below.
Lutheran’s Heroes of Hope Run/Walk is the largest National Cancer Survivors Day event in Jefferson County (which is just west of Denver). We had a good time and got to see some of our favorite therapy peeps. Naturally there were a ton of kids, dogs and folks walking along the scenic course through Lutheran’s tree-lined campus. This race, designed for fun for the whole family, celebrates and benefits the hospital’s cancer survivorship program including “genetic counseling program, patient navigation, survivor and nurse education and patient care on the oncology unit.” Following the race, we met some hopeful candidates wanting to join our therapy program. Woo-hoo, that means more cool dogs! Well color me happy on this gorgeous cloudless day.
I finished first among the pet therapists though mom was a little cheesed at me since I stopped to say hi to a bunch of kids lined up along the curb several yards before crossing the finish line. She said I could check out my adoring fans AFTER we actually finish the race. Oops. Still it was only another 3 or 4 minutes additional time. Sheesh…talk about competitive-lighten up, ma!
After the post-race celebratory refreshment, I begin to mingle. This is our fur-iend Zoe, (whose mom is also a blogger (check out her blog here). She’s going to be joining our ranks in about 6 months (she’s a little under age now as dogs must be at least 2 years old). Is she just as cute as a button?!
Here are some other photos from the event.
Meet Calypso, a Keeshond who is currently a pet therapist at a non-hospital facility but who is interested in joining our group.
Naturally I had to scope out all the cute girls. Here’s Jillian, who placed first in her race.
Last but not least, is our own little Bindy, who is the current Miss June in the calendar. You may remember I was Mr. May. What a cute little pocket dog! Everybody loves Bindy who has been a long-time therapy dog.
We had a great time, for a great cause. Mom took me home where I got to have a nice nap while she then went over to the Rocky Mountain Pet Expo. She’s working on a post showcasing that event for later this week. If you follow us on Instagram (you do follow us, don’t you?), you may have seen some of the photos posted there. Mom said it was a nice expo and she learned lots of interesting stuff.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
What a great event and day. Of course you had to stop and say hi to all the kids.
He has to stop whenever we pass someone and can’t understand why someone wouldn’t stop to say hi to him when we’re out walking. Silly knucklehead.
Looks like there was a great turn out and Sam looks like he had fun!
It was a fun outing that didn’t overwhelm me after the morning race.
OMD what an incredible event!!! And…congrats on your finish! (don’t blame Mom for being upset while you tended to your adoring fans lol!!!)………I love seeing events like this and thank you for sharing! just wonderful!
It is a fun event for a very worthy cause. We love ‘pawticipating’ even if ‘some’ people are a bit overly competitive. LOL
Your fur-iend,
Sam🐾
what a great event and what great photographs. I think that Jillian took a bit of a shine to you Can understand why, of course.. I really liked Little Miss Bindy, she was gorgeous although she did remind me a little of the WaWa. The photograph of you and the Corgi was good – you looked well together. A really good day out. Thanks for this post Sam, I really enjoyed it. P.S. Say Hi to Elsa.
Yes, Miss Jillian really was rather taken by me. She was a really good sport with all the pet therapists. Trust me, little Bindy is NOTHING like the Wa-Wa, except maybe a little in appearance. She’s as sweet as honey.
Sam, you won! But you’re always a winner, no matter what, big guy. Hey, that Jillian has it going on. Maybe…
Pee S Mom doesn’t use Twitter or Instagram, so what you put here is what we all find out is happenin’. <3 ~Lucy
Thanks, Lucy. Paws crossed tomorrow’s post will share a number of photos from the expo.
Aw, Sam, you and your Mom did great! And you’re such a handsome dude! But Zoe and Riley are precious. Yeah, I’m prejudiced – I love Corgis (Ducky is at least 50% CWC) and Goldens; but I love Poodles, too. I grew up with two miniatures; Mom got a third when the first one got her angel wings; and my Kissy was a large toy/small mini. I’m with your Mom, though – I don’t have the energy for puppies any more, either. Thankfully, Ducky has grown up a lot these last several months.
Puppies are beyond adorable but whoa…the energy needed to keep up with them! Yipes.
The energy required to keep up with Ducky at times is beyond my ability.
😊
What a wonderful day and a wonderful cause! Of course, you have to acknowledge all of your adoring fans. ♥ I am simply in love with Riley.
She was a scene stealer for sure.
What a great event and all of the pawtential therapy dogs are just too adorable! Sam, you are doing a great thing and I’m glad you stopped to greet your adoring fans, but not too long to loose the race. A little bit of competition is a good thing. Sounds like the best way to spend such a gorgeous day!
It’s always a fun event that benefits so many.
Wooftastic work!
Wagnificent event!
3 bum swings! 3 more!
Looks like you had a pawsome time Sam.
Nose nudges,
CEO Olivia
We always have a pawsome time at these events.
I just squealed at Little Riley’s picture. He’ll be successful at whatever he tries (and look quite adorable while doing it too!). Good job, Sam! We know you’re more interested in loving people than winning – and it just shows your priorities are straight!
My heart is totally with peeps. Yup, me, Riley and Zoe…we’re gonna be a pawsome team.
Your fur-iend,
Sam🐾
My favorite is…Samster! By a nose. (Snorf). Great post and loved the pics. A wonderful cause and it sounds like a terrific time was had by all!
Bwahaha Yup…that nose knows how to mingle!
Hi Sam, you had a great day! Do you know that 98% of the Finnish people are Lutheran’s?
Hugs,
your friend Kosmo.
We did NOT know that. That’s pretty pawsome!
Great event! But OMGoodness, Sam, your face standing with Jillian is priceless! So much fun!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
😁 Wouldn’t you be smiling sitting next to a winner like Jillian?
What a wonderful event! We thank you for all that you do to help others.
Woos – Lightning, Misty, and Timber
It’s not work when you get to spend time with such cool dogs and peeps. 😊
Superbly enjoyable report! Thanks to all who follow and support these wonderful caring folks. 🐬
Great post…so much cuteness for such a great cause.
I guess parrots weren’t allowed to enter because I would have flown through the course and won.
You’ve always be welcome.
Oh my gosh…Great post and pictures! One pup is cuter than the next! I think my favorite pic is the one of Sam and little Zoe! <3
She is such a little cutie; and Sam’s tail couldn’t stop wagging around her. She’s gonna be a great addition to the program.
Corgis are just too adorable!
With LOADS of personality.
<3
oh that was so great to join this wonderful event… every survivor is sure a hero and once we all together will find a cure… and all our tears for those we lost will wash away this evil darned big c
Yes! We talked with a number of survivors and everyone is very hopeful.
what a good time! The dogs are ALL so cute! That golden puppy is so so so cute and I love a corgi, And a greyhound, and an aussie, well, all of them. Sam you are sure a handsome sweet fellow.
Sooo many furbulous dogs and their peeps.
You’ve a great crowd there, canine and human. Loved little Bindy. She made me feel better just from the photograph.
Little Bindy has extra special dogtor skills and makes everyone feel good.
What a fun and enriching event. Love mom’s photos and (of course!) little Riley is my favorite. Sorry Sam – this time it’s Riley; you get plenty of props from me and as you should know with me it’s all about the Goldens.
Little Riley is definitely worth top billing, Michael. We don’t blame you a bit. He’s a real cutie-pie and will make loads of peeps feel better.
He made me feel better just seeing his picture! 😀
Riley is beyond adorable…with loads of energy. I’d be totally worn out with a busy pup like him! I think Goldens need younger owners than me! LOL
Ha- yiu g at heart is more important than the date on your drivers license so you are in good shape! 😎
While I do have a penchant for poodles, oh how Little One (Greyhound) made me smile! All the fur-babies photos are awesome. What a great event! Thanks for sharing.
Little One is a real sweetie and has been a fixture of the program for many, many years. She has the disposition of a precious old soul.