Oakland SPCA Run

October 9, 1994

4-peat in Frisco!

SAN LEANDRO, CA - It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. For the fourth consecutive year, Nicky the Flying Welshman was the first small dog to lead a male runner (me) across the finish line at the Oakland SPCA Dog Run, held at the San Leandro Marina (sorry about the title; "Fourpeat in San Leandro" didn't sound as poetic, and the race *is* held right on San Francisco Bay). But for some unfathomable reason, the organizers of the race (SPCA) decided this year they didn't want to have a "competitive" race, and didn't award medals. :-(

Well, I can assure you that despite this new policy, the six-legged teams were as competitive as ever! Most competitive of all, without any doubt, was the Nick. Look up "wired" in the dictionary, and you'll see a picture of him at the starting line, spinning around in a mad frenzy waiting for the race to start. Then comes the usual mad dash from the starting line; this year's version featured a dog trying to run right in front of Nick for about five feet and getting a bite on the rear for his troubles. :-) "If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em" - that's our motto.

I'm still getting over a travel cold and this was certainly one of the hardest races I've ever done. 1 1/2 miles of all-out sprinting, being pulled by a dog who does *not* like anyone getting ahead of us, and I was all in at the end. Running near the front (9th overall), in the lead in one's category, really brings out a higher level of performance than is normally possible.

After the race, it was quick get the camera and get a picture of Debi finishing with Jody, our other Welsh, and Monty, a "foster Welshie" who came to live with us a week ago while Debi finds him a new home (his family kicked him out because he killed their kitten, imagine that!). Coincidentally enough, last year Debi ran this race with another foster dog, Fergus. Looking to adopt a dog? Send mail to CymraesDeb@aol.com. Only terrier lovers need apply.

After the race comes the 1-mile dog walk, with many hundreds of participants, and then the silly stuff - pet tricks, dog and owner lookalike contests, etc.(*that*, they had prizes for!). Dogs everywhere! Great stuff. Amazingly enough, Nicky's behavior after the race is completely different. He's tired, of course, but definitely knows the race is over and aggression towards the other dogs is no longer necessary.

If you have a dog, and haven't done a dog run in your area, do one. If there is none, convince your local SPCA to organize one. Or do it for them. Great fun. Without doubt the highlight of Nicky's year. Even without the medal.

Next year, we look to tie Mark Allen's five in a row!

Steve "Dog-tired" Patt
in sunny, warm Cupertino

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