Man Takes Dog Running to Get Noticed After 4 Months Waiting in a Shelter

A dog trainer has caught attention for his innovative approach to help shelter dogs socialize and attract potential adopters.

Wesley Swainston, 28, has been volunteering at animal shelters for a while and has experience working with dogs nationwide. While previously serving in the Marine Corps, he volunteered at the Adoption First shelter in Jacksonville, North Carolina during his free time.

At that time, running was already a part of his routine, leading him to combine his two passions. Swainston started taking the dogs along on his runs, noting that they receive a lot of attention, which significantly impacts their well-being.

Swainston, who now resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has made running with shelter dogs a regular activity. He even distributes “business cards” for the dogs containing their adoption details.

Recently, Swainston took out Elmer, a husky mix estimated to be 2 to 3 years old, from the Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center. Elmer had been at the shelter for over 130 days with little interest from potential adopters.

Although initially timid, Elmer thoroughly enjoyed the run once he settled in. During their run, they stopped at a local café where Elmer made new friends, including a runner named Kate.

Swainston shared videos on TikTok (@forthedogs_) showcasing the dogs’ enjoyment of running. A video of Elmer’s run went viral on April 7, garnering over 780,900 views and more than 75,600 likes on TikTok.

Through his efforts, Swainston aims to raise awareness for shelter dogs and hopes for a permanent adoption for Elmer. He emphasized the positive response from people rooting for the dogs and connecting with their stories.

In addition to running with shelter dogs, Swainston has been fostering a dog named Oreo since February. Oreo was at risk of euthanasia in California due to perceived aggression, but Swainston believed he could assist in rehabilitating him.

Swainston highlighted Oreo’s loving and affectionate nature, emphasizing the importance of structure and commitment in his training. He expressed his anticipation of taking Oreo on a run and finding him a suitable, caring home.

While Swainston cannot train every dog, he is dedicated to aiding as many as possible in gaining attention and finding loving homes. The video of Elmer’s run received over 1,100 comments on TikTok, with users praising Swainston for his efforts and expressing support for shelter dogs.