Walk your dog 5K proved fun and informative

By Mary K Parker
Nearly equal numbers of four- and two-legged runners along with huge water bowls at the water stops highlighted the inaugural Unconditional Love Fun Run/Walk Your Dog 5 K at Adelup.
Hosted by Unconditional Love, a new non-profit pet-therapy group, the race included booths offering free nail trimming, veterinary products and services as well as dog training. Information about Unconditional Love was also available.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Myers ran with his canine sidekick Buster as sailors from EOD Mobile Unit 5 cheered them on. Buster took first in his division, not surprising since he frequently goes to work with his owner. Lt. Cmdrs. Robert and Elaine Krecji, both from Naval Hospital, ran the 5 K with their dogs, Pretzel and Ginger. “They usually just run around the block at home,” Elaine Krecji explained. “But they ran the whole distance here.” The Krecjis adopted Pretzel and Ginger from the Guam Animals in Need (G.A.I.N.) shelter in Yigo.
After the race, dogs could be seen everywhere cooling themselves off in wading pools and wagging tails with other canines.
Don Shaffer, a dog trainer and groomer with K-9 Boot Camp, suggested making sure your dog is well-behaved before trying to run. “Dog training gets them on the track to learning,” he explained. “Then you can make running more enjoyable and safer for everyone.” If you’re ready to run or have already started running, Jamie Bartnik, a veterinary technician with Wise Owl Animal Hospital, suggested a non-retractable leash.
“You can accidentally deploy the buttons on a retractable leash and you or the dog can get hurt,” she said. She also suggested using a head collar, which can make controlling a larger dog much easier. With multiple distractions, a head collar can keep the runner in charge. Dogs and humans should plan to drink plenty of water before and after a run. Bartnik also said dogs, like humans, need training to work up to longer distances.
Unconditional Love is looking for more volunteers, even those without pets. Their next orientation training takes place in October and people can call Melody Pyle at 637-3584 for more information or check the Web site at: .