I’ve been volunteering with Rescue Runners since 2023, and it has become such a meaningful part of my life. Every Sunday, volunteers come together to give shelter dogs something they often don’t get enough of in a busy shelter environment: exercise, enrichment, socialization, and a chance to simply be dogs.

If you know me through Rescue Runners, you’ve probably seen me spending time with the spicy dogs. 😂 I have a soft spot for the pups who need a little extra patience, reassurance, and love. There’s something incredibly special about earning a dog’s trust and watching them come out of their shell. These outings also help dogs show their personalities outside of their kennels, giving them a better chance of connecting with a foster or finding their forever home.

And then there’s Bandit. 🩵 I met him through Rescue Runners, and what started as spending time with a shelter dog turned into finding my best little buddy and family. But before Bandit, there were Kieran, Sara, Basil, Tootles Galore, Felix, Indra, George Michael, Elora, Bee, Miles, Linkin Bark, Sonar, Frito, and so many more pups I’ve had the privilege of spending time with. Through Rescue Runners’ Sunday walks and Doggy Days Out, so many dogs have found their forever homes. And Bandit is living proof of just how life-changing these experiences can be.

Rescue Runners is entirely volunteer-run, and donations help keep these programs going while providing essentials like food, leashes, treats, beds, kennels, and spay/neuter assistance for dogs and families in need throughout El Paso. This El Paso Giving Day, please help Rescue Runners help so many more pups! Your donation will directly support an organization that has changed countless dogs’ lives and, unexpectedly, brought me my favorite little sidekick.

Thank you for supporting a cause that means so much to me. 🐾❤️