To grasp just how far Chance has come, you have to know where he started.
When Ian and Rachael Keeley adopted the five-year-old Akbash dog from the a year ago, Chance was timid and skittish. Everyday things like steam vents and passing cars startled him, and he didn鈥檛 want to leave the sanctuary of his kennel.
And while Chance was still a tad reserved Sunday morning as he and his family prepared to take part in LAPS鈥� fundraiser at Fort 91原创鈥檚 Derby Reach Regional Park, he has come a long way.
鈥淣ow he loves exploring places and loves exploring this park,鈥� said Rachael, who credits the extra care and attention LAPS鈥� volunteers gave to Chance to ensure he was ready for adoption.
鈥淗e was a really shy dog, but since he鈥檚 come home with us, he really came out of his shell,鈥� Rachael said. 鈥淓specially with the work that the trainers from LAPS did with him. They worked so hard with him.鈥�
Taking Chance to the third annual Furry Tails Foot Race 鈥� a 5K and 10K fun run/walk through the park鈥檚 trails 鈥� was the couple鈥檚 way of giving back to LAPS.
鈥淲e鈥檙e here to support LAPS,鈥� Rachael said. 鈥淥ne of our cats is from LAPS as well as (Chance) so we have two alumni. We really love the organization.鈥�
鈥楩un race鈥�
A record 138 participants braved the rainfall to get in some Sunday morning exercise, while at the same time raising funds to help the stray, lost and unwanted dogs and cats being cared for at LAPS鈥� Patti Dale Animal Shelter.
This year鈥檚 totals surpassed $10,000 for the cause.
鈥淭his is such a fun race,鈥� said LAPS marketing co-ordinator Emily Bush. 鈥淚 love it. It鈥檚 so nice that it鈥檚 a casual environment where people and their pets can come out and show their support for the animals. We have such an incredible and supportive community. It鈥檚 so great to have everybody鈥� come out and show their support.鈥�
