The 5K Mom: Calling all dog lovers, first vote then run!

By Emily Kulkus

Before I became a mom to a human, I became a mom to a dog. My husband and I returned from our honeymoon in January 2011 and a month later we went to an adoption event “to look.” Just a few hours later we were at the pet store picking out stuff for the newest member of our family.

I wrote about the experience of adopting our 10-month-old beagle-hound mix for The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com. I received more feedback about that column than anything else I did during my 10+ years in journalism. 

Our sweet boy turns 8 next month and I can’t imagine our family without him. He is a regular reminder that all you really need in life is love. (And you better be prepared to give it to him!) He’s been incredible with both of our kids, tolerating tugged ears and plenty of noise, and he takes his watch-dog role incredibly seriously.

Plenty of people laugh when I say this but getting a dog was amazing training for becoming a mom. (No, you can’t stay out for three hours with your friends after work because someone at home needs you!) He’s a lot of work – and huge props to my husband for doing most of the dog-walking – but he’s a cherished member of our family. 

If you too are an animal lover, Fleet Feet Sports, Syracuse invites you to participate in the annual Six-Legged 5K race next month! One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit local animal charities and right now you can vote for which local charities will receive a donation from the event. 

Click here to vote!

Registration for the race opens Monday and we can’t wait to see you, and the furry members of your household, out on the course! 

Emily Kulkus is marketing coordinator at Fleet Feet Sports, Syracuse. Reach her at ekulkus@fleetfeetsyracuse.com.