Thanks for a fabulous morning, Barbara.  I had SO MUCH FUN!  What a great group of volunteers on the 1-mile water stop.  And the participants were a pleasure to meet along the run.  I love my tee-shirt!  Please keep me on your list of volunteers for 2008. Best, Denise Carlson

Again the race was great; you did a wonderful job and everyone was very happy. Ruby and I had a good race and it was good to be out on the road again.  Thank you so much for caring about the animals.  You are a good person.  Peter and Ruby Smith 

I made it home, took about 4 hrs 15 minutes.  Thanks for putting on that race and all the hard work I know it takes.  I really makes me feel good to see so many people that care about their dog's fitness and well being... dogs love to run! 

I was pleased with our result because I have only run twice in the last 2.5 weeks because I have a nasty respiratory infection, but am feeling better than yesterday and I think I'm on the mend.  Thanks again...  So I guess I have the course record for the current course... but will have to tune up and stay healthy to break the overall record next year.  Jason Sperry 

I know that I am getting old and slow so a non-elite start is fine by me. I am getting ready for the NYC marathon in a few weeks so my speed work is non-existent. I like to be under the radar in this type of race. Brody would like the elite sticker on the bib though! He is a bit of a snob! He really is one of the family after us rescuing him! It was the first race ever for our 11 year old niece Sara Rusen who ran really well with our dog Murphy!
As always you put on an awesome event, for an awesome cause. I spoke with the mayor of Franklin about the event and he is interested in starting one here to benefit our local shelter. I told him that we cannot encroach on H+H or TnT, but we may give it a shot!  Thanks again, you do an awesome job!  Chris Kelly

What a wonderful day indeed!  It was a great event, well-run (as usual) and thank you for the great goodie bag!  Hard work much appreciated!  Ajax was happy to be at Hounds and Harriers again (his favorite day of the year), and Max was happy to attend his first run!  My daughter also enjoyed the run - and I think she will be back again!  Thank you very much!  Trice (Mary), Elizabeth, Ajax and Max Guella  

I loved the course, it was great.  Misty and I had a great run!  It was a beautiful morning in Lontanka Park, for the start of the dog race.  Misty was such a good dog.  She was in awe of all the other entrants that showed up. She was nosing it up with the best of the breeds.  There were a lot of golden retrievers, only one other Weimaraner, a standard poodle, dogs of every breed and size.  There was barking and a dog fight almost broke out before the race began between a shepherd and a Rottweiler. 
 
At the start there was a pileup of dogs in my area where I started.  Some ran and stopped, some ran and pooped, some just stood there when the race began.  We actually were entangled in this dog mess for 3 minutes until I said let them all go ahead.  (Editor’s note: If you look at the video, all but two dogs were over the start line in 30 seconds.)
 
The course was great, flat local roads.  Misty pulled me along at a good pace.  If it wasn't for my periformas (pain in my butt) kicking in I might have enjoyed the tug of war between me and Misty.  Well mile 1 was good Misty leading me on.  As mile 2 approached we started to go on the trail.  Misty still feeling her oats, as we passed a Vizsla and a boxer.   Well all of a sudden up on our rear appeared a toy poodle and beagle dogs with their 20 year old owners.  They passed us like we were standing still - in slow motion. Well I yelled at Misty - you go girl and we ended up passing the toy poodle at mile 3.  One dog got loose out of its collar and who knows what trail it ended up on.  Misty and I were now in sync, the bonding began.  By mile 3 and towards the end we ran great.  No more tiny pip squeak dogs passing us!  We ended up doing about an 8:15 pace.   Thank you Advil.
 
Well my friend Bonnie came in first woman with her dog Rusty a wirehaired something or other. At the end Misty had plenty of water to drink and the dog biscuits hit the spot.  She ate 2 cups full of dog biscuits.  I gave her a good pat on the back for a job well done.  Next year - we will show the pips squeak dogs how to run.  Stay tuned. Barb  & Misty the Weimariner aka-good girl    

What a great race!  The weather, of course, cooperated.  Gretl was truly amazing coming 15th ... with Robin.  Your volunteers as always were outstanding.  The course was so very well marked this year.  Loads of people hung around afterwards ... my only complaint is that it has become so successful and popular ... that the pros are entering with their svelte, custom dogs.  This year, I was definitely dog limited ... I recovered well from my hamstring tear, stronger ... but Sparky is aging and I didn't have his pain medication right ... and he just didn't want to break out of trot.  I feel so guilty I towed him the entire 3 miles.  I adjusted his meds and he was sprinting this morning on a 8 mile run ...you just never know.  But he loved the biscuits and cheese crackers at the end and thanks you .  He got loads of pats at the beginning ... there were so many spectators with interested questions..everyone was smiling and having a good time.

I think the elite section was a good idea ... it gave them the opportunity to get out of the pack and many of them have fast but often flighty dogs. Well I would hate to give up on Sparky next year but he's really about 9 minute/mile pace now... and I'm ready for 7 minute miles.  We may pair me with Gretl ... f she's still alive...amazing hound.

I kept seeing Sunchi walking around at the race.  She looks so good for her age ... good for her, good for you. All the best, Susan Dawson 

I hope all is well.  The course was perfect this year! This is my second year in a row participating in the H&H run and it was just as fun as last years.  Rex, my German Shepherd had a blast.  Thank you to you and to the volunteers, sponsors that help bring this wonderful event to canines and their companions.  The T-shirts were awesome and the goody bags and prizes are always the best!  I think Poppy, my Labrador was a  little bit upset about not running this year, but once I showed him the goody bag and what was inside the PETCO bag, he got over it :-) They are both enjoying the Milk Bone treats.  Oh, and my mom was sooo happy to have gone, she truly enjoyed cheering on the runners.  We can't wait to be back next year, with both dogs hopefully!  Take care and I will see you at the Giralda Race in Nov. have a good Sunday afternoon.  Warmly,  Grace Cabanillas, Poppy & Rex 

Thank you.  The d-o-g-s had a wonderful time.  Weather was great and it is a wonderful event.  Best regards, Catherine Segal 

This year's race was my fist race ever!  I had such a great time and told my friends all about it. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures, since it was just me, but it was so much fun anyway. This run is such a great idea. Too bad my goldens don't want to run anymore (Sadie) and the other is just a lover and not a fighter: (Sandy).  Luckily, I was able to borrow my friend's dog Blaze.   Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you did a terrific job organizing this event and I would LOVE to participate every year from now on!  Thank you so much again for a GREAT first race experience!  Katjia Schmidt

As always the event was a cut above the rest. A new person that I introduced to the race was overwhelmed by the entire event. It’s the 5th different person that I have introduced to the race and every one of them was extremely happy with the event.  I was totally surprised by the effort Kate gave. As always before the start she was socializing when the pack departed.  She quickly put her head down and ears back and went for the lead.  The elite start was great. I usually have a difficult time in the first quarter mile or so. At about one half mile Kate stopped for about 2 seconds. I thought something might be wrong but I think she just got winded, she restarted at a slightly lower pace and finished with no trouble. She has been running  about 4 days a week, but never very fast. I am a race director with my club and I know how much work a race can be.  So thank you from the bottom of my heart for your efforts.  Bill Winterbottom 

Charley and I want to thank you for such a fun day and for all your hard work.  He knew it would be a special day.  He woke up at 4:30.  I never saw him so excited as we arrived he was jumping and wagging his tail looking out the window.  All he wanted to do was sniff and play.  Loved the running course, will be back next year.  It is a really special thing you are doing to help all the homeless dogs. Thanks again.   Lorna Yerkes and Charley 

I thought I would mention this too although it’s a non-incident.  They had graveled an area that looked like a wash out zone and the guy in front of me tripped on a large piece of gravel and did some amazing rolls and ended up unscathed and completing avoiding his dog   Both were large.  I was so amazed.  I asked at the end of the race if he  practiced judo.  He said no, but his instincts were good.  I remember once a nearby car crash scared Sparky and he clipped me from behind, I did a backward somersault back up to my feet ... but I've had gymnastics.  (The person Susan refers to is Charlie Lewis who recounts the same tail in his note).  It was fun to watch the masseuse ... some dogs were really getting into it.  All the best, Susan Dawson  

Thank you for providing a GREAT event for runners and their dogs (or should I say runners and their owners?).  We had a great time running the course and were particularly impressed with the organization and support.  We look forward to doing it again next year!  Sincerely, James Novotny and Donny 

Great Race!   I run a few races every month (people only)…this was my 1^st Hounds & Harriers…What a blast…Great Race!  Brought my daughters and a friend (11, 11 & 12 years old) …they all loved it!   Unfortunately for me, I pulled my Achilles at start and only ran 200 yards.  But Elvis and I will be back next year!  Thanks for putting on the race.  Andy McDonnell 

Wonderful job and the course was great.  Nellie & I had a good time!  Geri O'Brien 

I had a great time volunteering on Sat.  I was sad to leave early!  It was so great to see Janice again after all these years.  I guess I was meant to be there.  (Michelle unexpectedly bumped into a college friend who was also a volunteer.)  Count me in for next year!  Rudi and I have talked about a sponsorship as well.  Keep us in the loop.  This is a great thing you do!  In so many ways!  Take care, Michelle Reedy 

Another awesome job putting together the H&H!  This  was our 7th time participating and every year Beri and  I have a great time.   I didn't know what to expect from Beri this year. She's getting older and has slowed down quite a bit. But on Saturday she seemed to forget about all the  aches and pains of a dog several weeks shy of her 13^th birthday.  It was great to see her so excited!  

The Paws from the Past was a lot of fun and Beri loved  hearing everybody shout her name.  It's nice that you  do something to include these senior dogs.  I was  unsure if Beri would be able to complete the entire 3 mile race...so that's why I wanted her to do the Paws from the Past.

For the main race....I was concerned about pushing  Beri too far.  And we did take a couple of rest stops  along the way.  But, all in all, Beri did an awesome  job.  She had bursts of energy and was able to  maintain a strong pace for most of the race.  At the  end, she scampered through the finish line, ears flopping, looking like a very happy dog.  And, for me,  that's what this day is all about.  Thanks for putting on a great race.  Best,  Greg Mandak (Editor's note:  I gave Greg permission to take Beri in the Paws from the Past and then start the 3 mile run. Greg expected just to do a little of the 3 mile run, but Beri wanted to finish.  Beri is 13 and has good days and bad days.)   

Sorry for the late response......very busy.....what a great day.......looks like everything went very well, except for the EMS truck at the start......You always look quite stressed in the hour or so leading up to the race...I feel bad that you can't enjoy it as much as us.....I was standing at the start line smiling at all the commotion, excitement and barking.  So nice to see Sunchi there and getting to run Paws from the past.....You seemed to enjoy that too. 

I wish my family could have come, but they had games.  Dillon is becoming quite the runner. He pulls real hard but is manageable.  Only problem is he pulls real hard when a team is in front, but then the leash goes slack after he passes, and I lose my boost......He was fired up even after the race, barking at runners and dogs at the finish line. 

I was very surprised with my time...20 seconds faster than 2 years ago...I trained hard but felt like I still wasn't where I should be.  I had a tough 3rd mile and lost some time there....I was with Chuck Paul at 2 miles and Dillon started to squat, but did nothing...After that little slow down I couldn't get going again.  Great goodie bags ! and nice shirts!  Once again: Thank you....Thank you...Thank you! Mark DePiano 

The photos look great.  Thank you so much, Barbara -- Ginny and I can't wait to do it again next year!   Sung Woo 

As usually, the race was wonderful!!  Great job and can't wait until next year.  Amy & Lucky Layden 

Great pics! Everyone had a lot of fun! Joe and I had fun at our post by the pond. Gaye McVeigh 

Awesome race!  Thank you as always.  Tracy Brown 

It was a great race, and as usual, all the volunteers had fun!   Cande Olsen 

Thank you , Barbara, for organizing such a wonderful race once again.  Otis and I and the rest of our family thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  The course was terrific and the whole event ran smoothly.  We can hardly wait for next year.  Keep up the good work!  Nancy Halper 

I just want to tell you how much fun the Prebendas plus our furry foursome had on race day last Saturday. What a beautiful day, for starters! The Paws from the Past was a great start to the day (and we are so glad that you were able to trot across the finish line with your featured Sunchi. She is such a cutie!). I think Michael did a pretty good job. He'll be even better next year if you decide you can use him!

Above all, we are pleased with Troy and Relic. Mere minutes before the race, Troy was ready to throw in the towel: Relic was just too excited to take any notice of Troy's commands - and Troy was doubting his ability to control him. I stayed close by, and the two of them quickly overcame anxieties as well as excess energy, became strong partners, and soon took a solid lead over Shadow and I! Troy is the youngest Prebenda to complete the 5K portion of the race. Yeah Troy!

I also had a nice bonus toward the end of the race: I got to run with John and a zigzagging Daisy (who is quite beautiful, I must note!). We had a nice little visit as we came up to the finish, and Daisy stepped aside to let Shadow cross the finish line ahead of her. Sorry, John... but Shadow was surely grateful. She continues to fantasize about running with her speedy owner, Reid. Shadow would love it if I could pick up the pace for her. It isn't going to happen, however!.

Anyway, we had a great day. Oh, and a special thank you for highlighting all of those tree roots! I was wearing contact lenses, which are never as good as my glasses. Without that yellow spray paint, I feel certain I would have missed some of those hazardous roots, partially hidden by leaves.
 
Sorry we missed the awards presentation. I always love that part of the morning. We did manage to get to the wedding - but time was tight. I took photos at the wedding, and just today I completed a pretty decent album of wedding pictures (just under 200 for the final selection!). It was a pretty neat occasion. Well, this morning we are off to see Reid for a long weekend. We'll say hello to Colorado Springs for you.

Thanks again for making this Hounds and Harriers event possible. I hope you were pleased with the way the day went. Have a great weekend!  Love, Shelley Prebenda

Yes that's me. Charlie Lewis. I ran with "Hunter", who is now 17 months old. Very tough boy! These Chesapeake's are a handful! He did well in his debut race. Our time was actually in line for me. I was very embarrassed; I fell on the portion of the race just prior to the bridal path. In all my running I have never fallen! I was actually commenting to myself that I can see you and the team actually marked in yellow the trouble spots. I know I run way too fast in the beginning, I may have let my guard down and my feet could have been dragging a little.

The woman who saw me fall came up to me after the face and asked if I was a Karate person, I said no, 'cause she thought I did a great roll! I must be getting old 'cause I was sore for many days. It's still black and blue. But just like my late "Hudson" let him rest in peace, I didn't let anyone see me in pain...I got up and just kept going!!!

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Great things just don't happen by themselves, your ability to tend to each and every detail absolutely shines through. I can consistently know when I will have a magical day, the day I run your race!  Big THANK YOU! Charlie and "Hunter" Lewis. 

Grafton and I really enjoyed the event. We had a great time, and look forward to participating again next year! David & Grafton Mortazavi 

I just wanted to write to thank you for putting on the HH run.  It was the first time running that event and only the second time Oscar and I got to run together in a formal race (We ran in the Tenafly 5k earlier this year).  Oscar was adopted after spending months in a shelter so he gets a little freaked out when all the dogs start barking but he liked the run.  We also had a baby 10 days earlier so it was nice for him to have his own day (it was also my personal best so I was thrilled). 

Both our dogs are shelter dogs so we really appreciate all that St Hubert’s does (we took both dogs to a bunch of the St Hubert’s classes).  Thanks for putting on a fun event – it must be a challenging event to organize.  Blake Haggerty 

I loved the H&H again this year.  The course was well marked and very runable all the way through.  I think the elite start worked out great - we were all able to spread out pretty quickly after the start. 

Tucker loved his Paws race - it made him feel very special when the guy on the MC said that he "loved to swim in his spare time".  That was really a nice touch.  Thank you for finding our interviewer.   And thanks for the squeaky bat toy that he picked out.  I'm so happy that he can still participate in H&H (by the way - Tucker has done it all 11 years, too, just like Sunchi).  Gotta give them both a lot of credit for being healthy and fit and available enough to be there all 11 years.  Wow.  Sunchi looks awesome and was so excited that day.  And I love the shirts.  They're so colorful and it's a great photo of Sunchi.  I remember when you sent me the link for the Camp Gone To The Dogs and I saw the photos of Sunchi jumping.  She's amazing. 

Well, Elsie loved her 2nd annual H&H event and she was pleasantly tired at the end of the day.  Tux and Elsie both got nice massages from Toby.  I will make it a point to schedule regular massages for Tucker with her.  Thanks so much to all the volunteers and to all the sponsors who make this event possible and make it a huge hit every year.  Lots of new faces this year - that's great.  But I think 150 is the limit for being safe and have room for everyone to move around. 

It was nice to meet the overall winner and his awesome German Shorthair Pointer.  I was talking with him afterwards and am very interested in his sport.  I will keep the website saved as a favorite.  Would love to get up to Lake Placid at the end of this month to see his event.  Wow! 

Thanks to you and John for all your hard work for another successful Hounds and Harriers.  I spoke with Joe DeFeo and petted Bailey, too.  It's nice to see that they came over for the race and that Joe is so dedicated to making Bailey's quality of life so comfortable.  I'm sure it's hard for Joe to see Bailey this way after his younger, agile years, but we must do all we can for the dogs in any condition they find themselves.  Joe is a wonderful role model for us all. (Editor’s note: 1998-99 H&H winner Joe DeFeo stopped at the race with his old running partner Bailey.  Bailey is now confined to a chariot.  He has serious spine problems and can no longer support himself on his back legs.  Bailey will always have memories when he was as fast as any H&H participant.  All three of his H&H runs were sub 17.)  

Hope to see you at a race soon.  I plan to buy a few of the photos from the Kodak site.  Sorry that Tucker and I missed the group Paws photo.  We must've been back at the car stashing our treats!  Thanks again for all you do for St. Hubert's.  Love, Karen Fox, Tucker and Elsie  

It was a lot of fun and I am glad that everything worked out this year! Natalia and Misha Olesnicky 

Thank you for sharing the pictures.  It is so nice to see them and remember such a nice day!  Good luck this weekend.  Best, Trice Guella  

Thank you so much for putting together such an enjoyable day. This was my and Gunners first time participating and we had a blast. As a matter of fact I only started running about a month before thanks to the encouragement of my friend Charlie Lewis. Due to other commitments my family was not able to join us so I was so thankful for the beautiful pictures your photographers were able to share. Gunner and I look forward to running together in your event for many years.   Regards, Sue Slavin & Gunner (Vizsla)

Congrats with a great race. I looked very well on the video, I can see the weather was pefect. It was quite a field of people and dogs. Ha det bra,  Hilsen Grete Waitz (9 time winner NYC Marathon, multi world record holder at many distances and my penpal) 

Mizuno was just pulling me the entire race uncontrollably and I was just trying to stay on my two feet.  Towards the end of the race, my fingers had just gone numb and I dropped the leash.  So, as we were coming down towards the finish line, I was focusing on grabbing the leash back, before he realized and got away from me.  I did manage to grab the leash again and at the same time, Courtney came running out as she was concerned that Mizuno would take off so she wanted to grab him before he had the chance.  Mizuno has gotten off the leash before and he just takes off and runs for a while and it takes us a little while to get him back, so she was concerned that he would take off. At that point all three of us collided and went down.  Fortunately, no one was severely hurt.  Court cut her knee and Mizuno had a swollen knee, so he was limping for a few days.  (not sure if he got hurt during the race or during the collision).  I was concerned about his knee, but it seems better now. I haven’t taken him for a run since the race because I wanted to give it three weeks to heal, just in case. So I will probably take him out again next week.  Although, he has been doing some running around the house and it looks like his knee is back to normal.   

Anyway, I thought it was a very well run race this year.  We managed to get the full 3 miles in, so that was great!  Excellent job to you and your staff.  Thanks again Barbara for a fun day.  Jerry DeRosa 

Thank you so much..I received my photos Saturday.and they are just great..thanks again for all your hard work...you really make this run very special! Lorna Yerkes 

This is GREAT -- thanks very much for sending photos....I've ordered a few to keep motivated for next year!  Thanks,l! David Mortazavi 

Just got the pictures in the mail and wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for all the energy you put into the race.  Also wanted to thank the volunteers and sponsors for making it a great event.  Katie is very proud of her first race.  It took her a couple weeks to get the squeaker out of her Milk Bone toy but she had fun doing it.  Looking forward to it every year and our donation is in the mail.  Great cause,  Thank You!  Steve Semple 

Your race is just really just my reward to my dog for getting up with me EVERY day of the year, rain (he hates the rain), sleet, snow, heat, and bitter cold.  I love your race for that reason alone.  My dog gets to be the focus of the attention I usually get at races, after we both train the same.  Please keep up your effort in this wonderful endeavor; we all appreciate all you do.

Believe you me; There are so many of us who dearly thank you for all that you do.  I am not part of any running club or community.  I have always run alone, but I am one of 9 brothers and sisters who know of what you do for our pets.  All of the clan love the fact that there is a race that I can compete with my puppy.  They know how competitive I am and how they think I torture my dog (he wakes me up at 4:30 and wants to run longer than I) They are all soooo sad I can't run with Baxter and now Curtis.  You will have many more entrants in the coming years due to my family's new interest in running and their dogs.  Again thanks for all you do for this race. Joe Curran