CLEVELAND, Ohio — There are many ways to celebrate a big birthday: with a party? A fun getaway? Or maybe by just relaxing?
A Bay Village woman said, “to heck with that” and marked her 50th by combining two things she loves: running and helping shelter dogs.
“Okay, here we go,” a voice calls out from cell phone video as a runner, illuminated by car lights, begins her journey.
It’s well before dawn in Bay Village, on a sidewalk near the community’s middle school. The runner is Sarah Tremont and it’s her 50th birthday. She’s neither sleeping in nor taking it easy on this big occasion.
“I’m a runner and so I – I don’t know – I just thought, well, I’m just going to run 50 miles on my birthday,” said Tremont when we sat down with her recently.
It was running that led her to volunteering with City Dogs, which is the adoption/volunteer program at Cleveland Animal Care and Control.
In the summer of 2022, she was going for a run at Edgewater Park. It’s there Tremont noticed a large, organized group of people in City Dogs t-shirts, running together with dogs.
Tremont was compelled to inquire.
“They explained what they do, and I’m thinking well, I can run with a dog! So, I immediately researched on Facebook and got linked up with the training you undergo in order to handle the dogs,” she said.
“I’ll come and walk dogs. I run with them and then I’ll hike with them because those are things I like to do,” Tremont added.
As her birthday approached, she felt compelled to do more – and turned the milestone into a fundraiser: Sarah’s 50 for 50. It brought in about $3,000 – money that will go toward enrichment for the dogs, an integral part of their well-being as they spend their days in kennels, awaiting adoption.
Friends followed along on Tremont’s route as she logged mile after mile. Running friends joined her to keep her company.
Yes, the miles hurt the farther she went. But Tremont reminded herself the discomfort was temporary.
“I said to myself, 'I can suffer today because those dogs are suffering in those kennels.' They’re in there for 16 more hours a day basically. I'm uncomfortable for a few hours today. I’m okay.'”
Those aches and pains melted away as she crossed the finish line at City Dogs.
“I didn't expect it, but there were so many people here when I finished. A bunch of volunteers were here. It was really nice.”
A remarkable feat -- but just one example of how volunteers can make a difference in so many ways. Tremont’s wish is that others are inspired too.
“There is so much to do here. What I choose to do is come and walk dogs, I run with them and then I’ll hike with them. But if you are not into walking dogs or it’s too much physically, you can do laundry, wash dog bowls, wash and fill and deliver Kongs. If it’s social media, you can help write some descriptions. Just check out the facility and see what goes on here. It’s amazing, like a well-oiled machine.”
There are many ways you can get involved -- here are just some of the organizations with volunteer opportunities:
- Volunteer with City Dogs
- Volunteer at the Cleveland APL
- Get involved with Friendship APL
- Volunteer at the Ashtabula APL
- Learn about Volunteering with Berea Animal Rescue Friends
- Check out opportunities at Euclid Pet Pals
- Volunteer at Humane Society of Summit County
- Tails of the City Volunteer Opportunities
Currently fosters are in great demand. If you are interested or have questions about fostering there is an event, this Saturday February 24th from 1 to 4 at Forest City Brewery
Fostering is one.
If you are interested in fostering or have questions, there is a rescue open house taking place THIS Saturday at Forest City Brewery from 1 to 4pm. The address is 2135 Columbus Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. The event is hosted by City Dogs, you'll meet a number of partner rescue organizations all ready to talk about how their fostering programs work.