Dog-loving runners needed for Westmoreland business

Somehow, Donna Highlands’ dog Max knows when it’s his day to run.

The 3-year-old mixed-breed canine with lots of energy sits by the door of his Jeannette home three times a week and waits for the runner at the other end of the leash to arrive. Highlands said the canine exercise service Happy Dog Running Co. has been a lifesaver for her and kept her dog in shape, running up to 4 miles at a time.

“It does wear him out a little bit,” she said. “It just helps us out a lot.”

Happy Dog Running Co. is looking for more dog-loving runners to get canines out of their houses and onto the streets or trails for a personalized workout plan. The business was started by Jeff and Michelle Daub in 2018.

Jeff Daub said long-distance running was getting tedious for him then, and he started taking his dog out for jaunts to change it up a little. It wasn’t long before he started getting calls from neighbors asking if he’d take their dogs out for a spin.

“This business sort of happened to me,” he said.

Now, there are 50 to 60 dog clients across Westmoreland County and into Connellsville. Daub is looking to add to his roster of 15 runners who get paid about $5 per mile or approximately $20 for an hourlong run.

Runners don’t need to be high-caliber athletes. Daub said anyone who runs casually would be a perfect fit. The dog-human pairs typically go 2 to 7 miles at a 9- or 10-minute mile pace.

Workout plans are adjusted based on the dog’s needs, and runners are matched with a canine that suits their schedule. Most dog owners use the service because they don’t have the energy, ability or time to keep up with their canine’s needs, Daub said.

“We aren’t out here to try to break any records … but they have to be a solid enough runner that 3, 4, 5 miles is a comfortable run for them,” he said.

Angela Cummings of Latrobe loves getting a four-legged workout buddy every day of the week. Getting paid is a bonus.

She has 11 dogs on 12 runs that typically last between 40 minutes and two hours. Cummings described herself as a beginning runner and said having a dog by her side has helped her reach training goals. But a runner’s skill level doesn’t matter. It’s all about putting a smile on the dog’s face.

“It’s really about the dog and making sure the dog is having a good time on the adventure,” she said.

Her running schedule stays pretty consistent, even during inclement weather.

“I think it’s important not to let them down,” she said. “I just look forward to seeing the dogs every day.”

Cummings credits her dog’s long life to regular exercise. Mario, a Maltese, is 16.

Runners meet up with dogs at their homes or at a neutral spot on a regular basis, while others work on a backup status to fill in as needed. Daub meets with new clients before pairing the dog with a runner to get an idea of the dog’s needs and abilities.

Daub said he has reached out to area running communities and put up signs on the Five Star Trail that stretches from Greensburg to Youngwood in an effort to find runners.

“I’m really desperate for help,” he said.

To find out more about being a runner, visit happydogsrun.com/become-a-runner.