Dynamic Duos: Running with Brooke

Jim S.

She has big brown eyes and long golden eyelashes -- the kind that would make Brooke Shields envious. Her hair is golden and she has just the right amount of curl to attract the attention of everyone she passes. And her personality is always irrepressibly joyful.

As a result, she often is stopped by people wishing to meet her. She is always happy to make their acquaintance, especially when we are on our morning run along the Hudson River. She is Brooke, my daugter. My omission of the “h” is intentional, because Brooke is my dog.

Brooke is a two year old Goldendoodle, a hybrid Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle. I chose this hybrid because I wanted a dog that was hypoallergenic, smart, gentle, and a good running companion.

As I am writing this sentence she is laying on her back on my living room rug with one of her favorite bones in her mouth. I have raised her in many respects like a human child and she behaves like an obedient and sometimes demanding toddler. She knows all of the standard dog tricks plus a few more because she likes to learn and gain more treats and affection.

Her favorite toy is her Cuz ball. She is part retriever so she loves to retrieve toys any time of the day or night. She has a certain growl sound that she makes when she wants to play. And I can never say no to those big brown eyes.

But Brooke’s real passion is going for our morning run. She has been my running partner since last November. For most dog breeds it is recommended to let their bodies completely mature to adult size before you exercise them on long runs. In a recent issue of Running Times, Goldendoodles were highly rated as a breed that could stand up well to the rigors of runs up to ten miles.

When we run along the Hudson, she is careful to pace herself always by my right side. She seems proud and happy every time we are out. For me it is hard work. For Brooke it is work, but it is also an opportunity to meet new people and sometimes other dogs. She is a “glad hander,” always ready to share affection with anyone who will give her some friendly eye contact. She is never distracted by other dogs when we are on one of our runs. She seems to know that the focus when we run together is running and she never deviates or pauses except for the occasional water stop.

I have also taken her to some state parks where she most enjoys to run. She has this habit of looking up at my face every few minutes as if she is making sure that I am doing alright and to see if I am pleased with her performance. I always answer her glance with a “good girl.” And she wags her tail and presses onward. I am lucky to have her.

For those of you who are running alone and would consider getting a dog as a running partner, I highly recommend Goldendoodles. They are easy to train. They love to please. And you do not have to buy them any running gear.

Runner Who's Not Jim S on left with
Goldendoodle Running Companion Who's not Brooke on Right :)

For next year’s ING NYC Marathon, don’t be surprised if a certain runner named Brooke is seen crossing the finish line in Central Park, tail wagging and smiling as she picks up her medal. So if you ever see us running together some morning along the Hudson Riverfront, please be sure to stop for a few seconds and say hello to the gray-haired fellow running with a really cute Goldendoodle.

Although Brooke is not my daughter, but my "dauger," I wish to thank her on this Father's Day for all of the love and joy that she gives to me, her doting dog-Dad.  And, I offer best wishes for a Happy Father's Day to all of the dads, children, spouses and partners, dogs and cats, and everyone who celebrates this fine day!

Who else runs with their dog?  Please share your story in the comments section of this blog post, below.

Jim S.