On Sunday we participated in the Paws and Claws 5K to benefit our local humane society. Two out of our three cats were adopted from this shelter. So it’s one that is important to us and we visit frequently — both in person, and online (just to check out the new adoptees). 🙂

Some of the best things about this 5K:

We love the location. It’s in a state park so there’s so much space, different things for Javi to look at (the beach, the water, grassy areas, boats, the list goes on and on).
We love the extras. They do a great job at having little things for everyone. Of course, they had lots of treats for the dogs who were racing, and food and drinks for runners but they also had games for kids, a coloring table and they gave out bubbles. They had Javi with the bubbles, for sure.
We love the entertainment. Yes, that means the DJ was great, but also… all the dogs! If you’ve never participated in a 5K for a shelter… do it, now. It’s the best. The dogs are so happy and excited and they just bring smiles to your face. Over and over again!

I want another pet. We have conversations, almost daily, about whether we could handle it. I’d love a dog but I know they are a ton of work. I believe they’re harder than babies. Cats are easier and less needy (so people “say” — our cats are highly demanding…) but I think four cats is a little much.

This was the third year we ran this specific 5K and I was definitely envious of all the dog owners. It’s so funny to see all the dogs, with their 5K bandanas, ready to race. The littlest dogs always make the most noise! The bigger dogs can’t contain their excitement and the entire time Javi yells out “a dog! a dog! a dog!” I just have to remember that, very soon, I’ll have a little baby at home to fulfill the “but we need something new” feeling. 🙂 Sean should probably keep me away from the humane society until after December, just in case.

In 2015, Javi was only a few weeks old and race day was freezing! The entire time I was afraid that he wasn’t bundled up enough. In 2016, he had just started to walk, and it was warm! This year, he was off running. And that has it’s own kind of stress to go along with it!

My parents have come with us each year and this year my dad was able to attend. It’s a really fun event for the whole family! It turns out, I wasn’t able to actually do the route. I decided to stay back because I was already feeling dizzy and had been having braxton hicks contractions since Saturday. But Sean and Javi ran and my dad and I cheered them on from the car. 🙂