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Three Precious Pups Inspire Marathon Runner

September 19, 2007, 9:34PM MT

By Susan Robinson

Amanda Bloh's three rescue pups inspire her to push harder as she trains for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

Amanda Bloh's three rescue pups inspire her to push harder as she trains for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

Story by Susan A. Robinson, Best Friends Network

Amanda Bloh (Click the button to the left to sponsor Amanda) is originally from Southern IL, but currently lives with her husband and three precious pooches in St. Louis, MO. Amanda is an operating room nurse by day and an avid gardener in her spare time who is working on cultivating her own green thumb.

It has been hot and humid in St. Louis this summer and the long training runs have been tough but Amanda keeps reminding herself why she is running - for herself and for Best Friends - "for all the animals that have gone through hell and have now found their safe haven." Supporting Best Friends has been very motivational for her as she has always been very passionate about animal rights and animal rescue.

All three of Amanda's pups are rescue dogs. Ophelia (pictured at the top of the photo) is a beagle/border collie mix . Amanda describes her personality as "sparkling" and writes that Ophelia loves everyone. She was adopted a little over a year ago from a local humane society.

Anna the "little butter ball" was also adopted. She is the pooch on Amanda's lap in the picture. She was found on the side of a highway and is approximately three years old. She was a shy girl that had to get used to human touch but she has come a long way.

Lily the "angel" was tethered for the first 11 years of her life and bred over and over again. She was rescued at a flea market by a local rescue group and then adopted by Amanda about three years ago. Amanda calls her "absolutely the sweetest, most gentle soul."

Amanda tells me that while the pups do want to be supportive of her latest endeavor they do prefer to wait in the air conditioning for her to come back from her runs and then join her on the couch for some snuggling.

This is Amanda's second full marathon, having run the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon one other time.

We wish you well Amanda and we will be cheering you on at the finish line!

What you can do:

For more information go to:
http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon/

Go to the Marathon Blog on Chicago Community here:
http://network.bestfriends.org/MessageBoards/Forum.aspx?g=c73abe3ef854473198c2f8a9112675fd&f=1636

Click button to Sponsor Amanda Bloh

Photo submitted by Amanda Bloh

Comments

Posted September 20, 2007, 8:10PM by kittyaid

As a former resident of MO, I am in awe of anyone who can train for a marathon in the heat and humidity of St. Louis in August, which can be like living in a sauna - I am serious, not trying to be funny. Also, I am proud of Amanda for bringing awareness to animal rescue while doing what is seemingly an non-animal-related activity. We can all think about things we do and how to turn at least one of those activities into something that benefits more than one person or group at once, whether it is shopping at a site/store that gives a percentage of each purchase to charity or turning one of our personal goals into an opportunity to gather pledges for ourselves, the planet, and its non-human animals.

Posted September 22, 2007, 3:14PM by marys

Amanda, you are already a winner in my book! Blesssings as you go forward, and sending kisses to your adorable pups.

Posted September 20, 2007, 8:30AM by fourwbaby

You go girl.

Posted September 20, 2007, 4:29PM by JAK

The animals are so inspiring, it never ceases to amaze me what they go through and yet are able to love us!! Your pups are very lucky to have found you!!
The very best of luck on your run!! God Speed!!