For the last 6 years, I have been holding a dog leash in my hand when running with dogs. This also usually involves managing to hold a car key, poop bags, and my phone (I always run with my phone when running with pups in case of emergencies). Of course the winter months are easier because I wear jackets or vests with pockets when running - but, it has been an extra challenge during the summer months.

A few weeks into beginning my volunteer running with dogs at the Humane Society of Macomb, I met Nick. Nick instantly fell in love with running, and I of course, instantly fell in love with Nick. 

This is Nick's story:

We are surrounded by articles, news, social media accounts, and blogs that share the benefits of healthy lifestyles and exercise for humans. Trends of the next new, latest and greatest exercise and diets are always evolving with individuals ready to test them as they look for new additions and changes to connect to a healthy lifestyle.

While society has come to accept the benefits that exercise extends to humans, this brings a question to all of us dog owners: are there benefits to exercise for our dogs?