At press time, Klinger was a semifinalist for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, an annual campaign that recognizes heroes on both ends of the leash. The German shepherd is his most frequent running guide and is always rewarded by “a game of fetch with a tennis ball after every single run.” In addition to that, Klinger has a friendly and gentle disposition and is the poster pup for guide dogs everywhere. Klinger, with his undying stamina, offers Hunter a new sense of freedom within his Folsom neighborhood. Hunter says Klinger’s success has “paved the way for other blind runners to be partnered with running guide dogs across the U.S.” and is what makes him proudest of his dog. With assistance from the nonprofit’s CEO, Thomas Panek, Hunter helped create a special training program for running guide dogs. Unfortunately, guide dogs who could go on runs didn’t exist. Hunter, an avid runner and former commissioned Marine officer lost much of his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, but his blindness hasn’t stopped him from achieving a long list of accomplishments-some of which include running the Boston Marathon multiple times, being the second blind American runner to complete a 100-mile endurance run, and receiving the Sacramento Running Association’s 2017 Community Runner of the Year Award.Īfter he was struck by a car while riding his tandem bicycle and seriously injured, Hunter’s middle daughter encouraged him to get a guide dog. Add to that the bond he has with his owner, Richard Hunter, and the dog is one of a kind. 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, 91, įive-year-old Klinger is the first-ever certified dual purpose running guide dog in the U.S. Helps connect cats, dogs, and other furry friends to loving homes. Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter 4131 South Shingle Road, Suite 14, 53, Shingle Springs, ĭedicated to protecting and improving the lives of homeless and abused animals while offering adoptable adult cats and dogs. Nonprofit dedicated to rehoming dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. Unique, no-kill shelter serving El Dorado Hills that functions as a place of refuge for hundreds of abused and abandoned pets until they’re adopted. 5820 Marybelle Lane, Shingle Springs, 53, Provides shelter and care for displaced, quality dogs until they find caring homes. 6101 Enterprise Drive, Diamond Springs, 53, Provides a safe and caring no-kill haven for shelter animals until adopted. 2201 Francisco Drive, Suite 140-174, El Dorado Hills, 91, Rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abused, neglected, and abandoned horses. Itching to welcome a furry friend to your family? Check out these local animal rescues to find your perfect pet match. “The spring forward time change did not go very well with Chewie and Finn the boys howl at everything.” -George Pounders
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