Baypath Volunteer Running 4th Boston Marathon for Animals in Need

Fred, an energetic young hound who recently arrived at Baypath Humane Society, needed a unique angle for his adoption campaign. His previous owner had taken him on daily 10-mile runs and the Hopkinton-based shelter felt a video showing his running prowess would attract the perfect adopter. So they asked Board member Sandra Gittlen, who has been training for her 4th Boston Marathon on April 18th to benefit Baypath, to take Fred for a spin and highlight his talents.

The result was a video that shined a spotlight on Fred’s natural instinct for running and absolute joy for life. Gittlen says she enjoys being at the ready to help animals like Fred find their forever homes.

“Their need is what drives me to train in harsh winters and then run 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston each year – them and my own brood of rescues,” said Gittlen, who adopted two dogs and two cats from Baypath. “Every day, Baypath receives calls from animal control officers and overcrowded rescues about animals that urgently need a safe place to go. The more money we raise, the more animals Baypath can take in.”

For the past six years, Gittlen has been a hands-on volunteer at Baypath assisting adopters in finding their four-footed companions and growing the shelter’s Facebook presence, which is today is an interactive community of 10,000+ people. Last year, she joined Baypath’s Board of Directors, where she leads the Donor Development committee, cultivating relationships with donors and bringing them closer to the organization.

“Sandy has an innate ability to make the animals feel comfortable and happy, whether she’s helping a scared dog gain confidence or fostering a cat with special needs,” said Baypath Executive Director Elizabeth Jefferis. “She also has been instrumental in strengthening affinity for Baypath among our adopters, donors, and the community at large.”

In her previous three years running the Boston Marathon for Baypath, Gittlen has raised more than $20,000 for stray and unwanted dogs and cats. This year, she aims to top $10,000 to ensure Baypath can extend its reach further into the community.

To support Gittlen’s Marathon run, please visit http://bit.ly/1ObQI9D or send a check to Baypath Humane Society, Attn: Sandy’s Boston Marathon Run, 5 Rafferty Rd., Hopkinton, MA 01748. Donors of $100 or more will have their pet’s name on the shirt she’ll wear during her 26.2-mile journey to Boston.