Koda came into our lives just as my husband and I were starting our journey together. A gentle and calm retriever-shepherd mix, she quickly became the heart of our little family, especially with our two young daughters. But when it’s time for a run, Koda’s playful spirit really shines through.

From the moment she sees me lacing up my running shoes, her tail starts wagging with excitement. She knows it’s time to hit the pavement. Koda loves shorter runs, especially when the weather is nice. We usually go about 3 miles, and she always stays right by my side, taking in the world around her with a happy grin on her face. However, like many dogs, Koda has her quirks. She’s a sucker for squirrels and often gets hilariously distracted mid-run. It’s almost as if they have a secret pact to throw off her focus!

On some days, Koda’s up for a 5-mile run, full of energy and enthusiasm. But then there are those days when, after a mile, she plants herself in the middle of the street as if to say, “I’m done for today.” It’s part of her charm—always keeping me on my toes.

While Koda adores running in the snow, she absolutely refuses to go out in the rain. And after any activity, whether a long run or a short jog, she’s always ready for a well-earned nap!

Running with Koda brings a lot of joy to my life, and I wouldn’t trade those spontaneous stops or squirrel chases for anything.

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