My run buddy Rico
In April 2008, I was not ready for another dog, but God had other plans for me. I believe in fate and I know for a fact that Rico was meant to be mine for the 7 years we shared. I just hope he knew how much I loved him...
We rescued Rico from the shelter and that was one of the best gifts I ever received. Rico was an awesome dog! The 3rd dog I ever had and the best one by far. He learned everything so quickly and was always so calm and loving. He was approximately 6-8 months old when we brought him home so I never got to see him as a small puppy; I'm just grateful we got him when we did.
Rico was a typical young dog with a whole lot of energy and when I began taking him for walks, he would always drag me. That got annoying fast, so one day I decided to run (for a few seconds) and he absolutely loved the speed and so it began. It was over the next few years that I thought about running as a hobby, but more so to distract me from what was going on in my life at the time. I remember speaking to a friend who told me about BGR Charleston, so I looked them up, joined a running group and started running. I invested in running gear and Rico became my favorite run buddy. It was definitely a form of therapy for me and Rico reaped the benefits. We were happy on the pavement together.
They say that we humans rescue animals, but the truth is, they rescue us. Rico depicted love, happiness and loyalty and I needed that. My fur baby was my best friend and my run buddy. He would get so excited when I would go to my workout closet and pull out my running sneakers. He actually knew what it meant when I put them on...we were going for a run! How smart for a dog to know that, but that was my Rico! There were days that I couldn't take him with me and oh my goodness, how that hurt me to leave him home. But, he would be waiting for me with all the love his heart could hold each time. I never doubted his love for me. It's what dogs do best; love unconditionally and that he did. My kids used to think I loved Rico more than I loved them. I think they were right.
From 2009 until his death in October 2015, I'm certain we ran a few hundred miles together. He helped me train for several races, one of them being my first full marathon which I ran in December 2015, just 6 weeks after I had to put him down. He truly was the best running companion and he always stayed right by my side. I can remember a time or two, glancing over at him and he would just look up at me and smile with his chest out, happy to be running along side me, his momma. The jingle of his dog tags were like music to my ears. I still have them hanging in the same spot in my kitchen.
Because of Rico, I survived a very traumatic time in my life and running became my outlet. Rico didn't mind at all; as long as we were together, he was happy, which made me happy. And, I did fall in love with being alive again. This new life is one I never imagined, but I wouldn't change a thing. Nothing in life is wasted time or a wasted lesson. Everything and everyone serves a purpose. I've learned to just push through to see what the next day holds. And, I believe each new day is a day closer to what God has in store for me.
Rico will always hold a special place in my heart. Running has not been the same for me since he's been gone, but I'm still on the pavement getting my miles in. Thank you, Rico for loving me the way you did and for leaving me the greatest pavement memories a woman could ask for. I love you sweet boy and I miss you still...
We rescued Rico from the shelter and that was one of the best gifts I ever received. Rico was an awesome dog! The 3rd dog I ever had and the best one by far. He learned everything so quickly and was always so calm and loving. He was approximately 6-8 months old when we brought him home so I never got to see him as a small puppy; I'm just grateful we got him when we did.
Rico was a typical young dog with a whole lot of energy and when I began taking him for walks, he would always drag me. That got annoying fast, so one day I decided to run (for a few seconds) and he absolutely loved the speed and so it began. It was over the next few years that I thought about running as a hobby, but more so to distract me from what was going on in my life at the time. I remember speaking to a friend who told me about BGR Charleston, so I looked them up, joined a running group and started running. I invested in running gear and Rico became my favorite run buddy. It was definitely a form of therapy for me and Rico reaped the benefits. We were happy on the pavement together.
They say that we humans rescue animals, but the truth is, they rescue us. Rico depicted love, happiness and loyalty and I needed that. My fur baby was my best friend and my run buddy. He would get so excited when I would go to my workout closet and pull out my running sneakers. He actually knew what it meant when I put them on...we were going for a run! How smart for a dog to know that, but that was my Rico! There were days that I couldn't take him with me and oh my goodness, how that hurt me to leave him home. But, he would be waiting for me with all the love his heart could hold each time. I never doubted his love for me. It's what dogs do best; love unconditionally and that he did. My kids used to think I loved Rico more than I loved them. I think they were right.
From 2009 until his death in October 2015, I'm certain we ran a few hundred miles together. He helped me train for several races, one of them being my first full marathon which I ran in December 2015, just 6 weeks after I had to put him down. He truly was the best running companion and he always stayed right by my side. I can remember a time or two, glancing over at him and he would just look up at me and smile with his chest out, happy to be running along side me, his momma. The jingle of his dog tags were like music to my ears. I still have them hanging in the same spot in my kitchen.
Because of Rico, I survived a very traumatic time in my life and running became my outlet. Rico didn't mind at all; as long as we were together, he was happy, which made me happy. And, I did fall in love with being alive again. This new life is one I never imagined, but I wouldn't change a thing. Nothing in life is wasted time or a wasted lesson. Everything and everyone serves a purpose. I've learned to just push through to see what the next day holds. And, I believe each new day is a day closer to what God has in store for me.
Rico will always hold a special place in my heart. Running has not been the same for me since he's been gone, but I'm still on the pavement getting my miles in. Thank you, Rico for loving me the way you did and for leaving me the greatest pavement memories a woman could ask for. I love you sweet boy and I miss you still...
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