Pup Protector

on February 11, 2011

Since I moved to Charlotte last July, I have found three stray dogs on runs and successfully reunited them with their owners. :) Todayâ€™s pup was Reilly! He was blind and deaf and oh-so-cute. His mommy was glad to see him.

I took your advice and dealt with my Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness by walk/running 4.0 miles instead of straight-up running 5.0 miles as my plan called for (and now Iâ€™m going to stretch). I walked most of the 4.0 miles but I ended up feeling energized, which was a nice change from feeling worn out by a run! Nicole joined me for two miles, too (and helped me carry Reilly home).

Lunch was FABULOUS. Make this easy dish NOW!

I boiled wheatberries for 15 minutes, drained, and combined with lightly stir-fried broccoli and corn, raw carrots, and creamy balsamic. With a fried egg mixed in, too:

Three fun things:

Iâ€™m collecting new guest posts for Operation Beautifulâ€™s Change the Way You See, Not the Way You Look section. If you have any posts or stories (you donâ€™t have to be a blogger to participate) about body image or self-esteem that youâ€™d like to share on the site, please send them to me at operationbeautiful@gmail.com! Please include a link to your blog so I can link back.

Check out this post I wrote about finding my sense of spirituality.

Iâ€™m twittering now for Girls on the Run Charlotte at @GOTRCharlotte. Please follow me if youâ€™re a local reader (or just love GOTR!).

Question of the day: Anyone running any races this weekend? Good luck! I wish I was running a race. 🙂

{ 80 comments }

Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin February 11, 2011, 3:15 pm
You are so nice to help those dogs find their parents!!

I’ve actually been really digging wheat berries lately. I have been having them with frozen berries(defrosted), greek yogurt, and some vanilla extract for breakfasts lately.
emily February 11, 2011, 3:17 pm
Oooh, your wheat lunch reminds me (Yum! BTW) –

I made a risotto with bananas and coconut milk for breakfast this morning that was freaking amazing! It reminded me of some of your rice breakfasts so I thought I should recommend it to you.
Leanne (For Health's Sake) February 11, 2011, 3:18 pm
I wish I had a race to run but the weather up here is not run-friendly!

Such a cutie pattotie that pup is 🙂
Lisa February 11, 2011, 3:20 pm
My boyfriend and I are running a “Love ’em or Leave ’em Valentine’s Day Dash” 5k tomorrow. It’ll be his first race – I’m hoping he gets hooked!
- Devon February 11, 2011, 3:48 pm
  My boyfriend and I are also running Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em in Seattle! Good luck and see you there… along with 3,000+ other people!
- Jennifer February 11, 2011, 4:46 pm
  I shall be there also! I just checked the weather report, prepare for rain.
Kristy @ Kristyruns.com February 11, 2011, 3:20 pm
Way to represent with your Spinx Marathon shirt! That was a fun one! 🙂
Lizzy @ runbakerace February 11, 2011, 3:24 pm
NO races for me either this weekend 🙁 wish there were though, but weather up in NJ doesn’t cooperate! Glad you are workout feeling beter
juli February 11, 2011, 3:29 pm
what is your creamy balsamic? your plates always look so good!
- Caitlin February 11, 2011, 3:32 pm
  Marzetti Simply Dressing – in the fridge near the salad stuff. SOOOO GOOD.
  - juli February 11, 2011, 3:51 pm
    thanks Caitlin! I read your blog numerous times daily to get ideas for healthy meals! You inspire me!
Natalia - a side of simple February 11, 2011, 3:30 pm
Your meals for today are making me want to incorporate “Eat like Caitlin” days into my weeks 🙂
Shayla February 11, 2011, 3:31 pm
What a cute doggie! How did you reunite him with his mommy?!
- Caitlin February 11, 2011, 3:33 pm
  He had on a collar thankfully!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 11, 2011, 3:35 pm
Thank you for helping those dogs/owners! It is so sad to hear of dogs who get loose, it is nice to know that there are people who stop to help them!

No races for me this weekend — I have 6 miles planned for tomorrow though!
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write February 11, 2011, 3:38 pm
I love that you’ve been cooking with wheatberries. I haven’t tried them yet, but I’ve been experimenting with barley (mixed with oatmeal, spinach, and cheese – divine!).

Glad you “saved” another doggy. 🙂
kim February 11, 2011, 3:49 pm
I’m running a Valentine’s Day 10K on Sunday!! so lucky to have nice weather here in San Diego 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table February 11, 2011, 3:50 pm
That is scary to lose a deaf and blind dog! He’s lucky you found him. 🙂

I wish I could run! I’m aiming to be back at it in a month for the Tough Mudder.
Elizabeth February 11, 2011, 3:58 pm
What a cute little dude– you really are a pup protector! 🙂 My boyfriend and I are running a Valentine’s Day race north of Boston. Couples start and finish at the same place, but one person runs a 6k and the other 5 miles. Chocolate and roses at the finish– sweet, right?!
Alex @ Healing Beauty February 11, 2011, 4:00 pm
I think that’s wonderful that you have rescued dogs! My mom, sister, and I have done the same thing for years. I just love animals and I’d want someone to return my dog if she got lost. I’m sure the owner was very grateful!
- Caitlin February 11, 2011, 4:02 pm
  I’m trying to build up pet karma in case M and J ever get lost!!! I would want someone to bring them home, too!
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} February 11, 2011, 4:11 pm
What a cute pup and how nice of you to rescue dogs. Your lunch is making me hungry–it looks delicious!
Claire February 11, 2011, 4:12 pm
Awww that is so nice of you! 3 for 3 is pretty darn good! Deaf and Blind 🙁 My hear just broke!
Stacy @ Every Little Thing February 11, 2011, 4:14 pm
Way to go reuniting lost puppies! That’s awesome. No races this weekend, just lots of eating and drinking for my birthday 🙂
Clare @ Fitting It All In February 11, 2011, 4:20 pm
No races for me – I’m visiting the boyfriend> But I manage to get in an eleven mile training run!
Lisa February 11, 2011, 4:21 pm
Oh! Poor Reilly!!! I am a sucker for the “underdog” (blind, deaf) those are the types of animals I want to adopt. Glad you reunited him with his mom!
Sarah February 11, 2011, 4:27 pm
Hey,
going back to your last post…. I am currently experiencing really painful shin splits.. what is the difference between that and DOMS? I have been reading online not to run if you have a shin split, but to do more low impact activities.. I definitley dont want to take a break from running b/c I have been on a such a good routine lately and I have been getting faster and been able to run longer distances..
jen @ taste life February 11, 2011, 4:34 pm
No races for me – going to yoga with one friend tomorrow and a walk with another friend on Sunday. Good enough for me!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) February 11, 2011, 4:38 pm
Oh that is so great that you found the owner! What a great thing you did! Lunch looks so good! Ya gotta love a tasty quick meal!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) February 11, 2011, 4:40 pm
Awww, I’m so glad when pets are reunited with their owners. I know our pets are family to us, so I would be so grateful for someone returning our kitties. <3

Your lunch looks FABULOUS! Yummmmm
Melissa @ For the Love of Health February 11, 2011, 4:43 pm
What a gorgeous puppy! That’s great you have been finding the doggies’ owners! The lunch looks really good! I wish I had some races but it is still way too cold in my neck of the woods! I do have to start planning the ones I do want to run this year.
Stephanie February 11, 2011, 4:43 pm
That article was perfect. You took words and views of mine right out of my mouth and brain. I have yet to broach the religious/spiritual side of myself on my blog. I have worried that my words might not come out as eloquently as I hope they would and people would get the wrong impression. NOT the reason I set out to write a blog so maybe I’ll give this topic a chance and write something.
Katy (The Singing Runner) February 11, 2011, 4:51 pm
Awww cute! I’ve had a dog follow me home on a run before! To cute!
Kari @ Human, MD February 11, 2011, 4:54 pm
No running race this weekend, but I have the first bike race of the season! it’s at 8am, and it’s going to be cooooold!
Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 11, 2011, 5:00 pm
Just wanted to say great job on the spirituality post! I’m dating a non-orthodox Jew, and I’m one of those “I don’t know what I am” people but raised on Eastern spirituality. It’s never caused any issue, though I freaked out a little when I found out on our first date but was excited to learn about it from him. I think that you are totally right in that there is something very, very basic that we all probably share.

When it comes to interacting with people I don’t know well, I like to think more of it in terms of “traditions” over “religions,” because “traditions” are less sensitive and have more to do with actions instead of a person’s deepest beliefs.
Kara February 11, 2011, 5:03 pm
No races for me this weekend, just a 16 mile training run for my marathon next month (scary how little time is left!)

I’m so glad you found that dog’s home, I hate to see old dogs get lost!
Amanda (Eating Up) February 11, 2011, 5:06 pm
That dog is adorable! Yay for finding its owner!
Mary @ stylefyles February 11, 2011, 5:14 pm
Reilly is SO cute! I’m glad he’s been re-united. Look at you, proving day by day what a great person you are! =)

I know someone who once “rescued” a dog, kept it for a few days, and then returned it to its owner. But when she told the story, it sounded more as though she kidnapped the dog, brought it back to the house and held it for ransom (okay the ransom part may be a slight exaggeration, but seriously, it was a weird situation).
Meryl @ scribbled musings February 11, 2011, 5:15 pm
No races. I just want to say how inspired I am by your good nature. That dog was lucky to find you.
Marissa C February 11, 2011, 5:18 pm
I went running through my in-laws neighborhood once when a dog started running along with me. Turns out the stinker got out and decided I was a nice running partner. She was with me for a whole mile before I figured out she wasn’t with the runner in front of me and it was time to check the tags.
Marie-JourneytoBodyZen February 11, 2011, 5:30 pm
That dish looks really amazing! Glad you found that pup!
LIz February 11, 2011, 5:39 pm
I also have been suffering from DOMS, so your posts on this have been timely.

That food also looks so good!

And I really liked your spirituality post…I wish more people would talk openly about it. I come from a similar family of no religion, and messed around with it in my teens and in college before coming to my own beliefs only very recently and I’m still exploring! I think it’s so fascinating to explore and enjoy.

Anyway, thanks!
Heather February 11, 2011, 5:42 pm
YES! my 5th half marathon the mardi gras Rock n Roll half on Sunday! I ran it last year, so fun!
Melissa February 11, 2011, 5:46 pm
Yay doggies! What a cute puppy!

I’m actually running the Mercedes Half Marathon (Birmingham, AL) on Sunday. My coworker and I just got back from the expo so I am ready to go! Debating on a 3 or 4 mile run this evening and whether I want to go to the gym and hit the ‘mill or brave the elements. Decisions, decisions 🙂
monicanelsonfitness February 11, 2011, 5:52 pm
I WILL make that dish! I love how you are a little Doggie Angel. Me too! I always do my best to save any dog roaming around. 🙂
Ali @ Around The VeggieTable February 11, 2011, 6:01 pm
No races for me but my BFF is running the New Orleans Rock N Roll Mardi Gras marathon on Sunday and has signed me up so that I get text messages updating me on her progress. So cool!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 11, 2011, 6:16 pm
He is PRECIOUS!
Ann February 11, 2011, 6:36 pm
I love that you are a puppy rescuer! You have so much good karma coming your way!
Baking 'n' Books February 11, 2011, 6:39 pm
You are a pup attractor! Good call on the DOMS. I read the other post and wanted to mention too that the yoga you do is necessarily going to give your muscles a break – holding postures or a flow or even stretching (yes!) can make you sore more than you think.

🙂
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 11, 2011, 6:59 pm
I’m running a race next weekend, and I can’t wait!
Amber K February 11, 2011, 7:00 pm
That is actually really neat that you have been able to reunite so many doggies with their owners. Although sad that they keep getting lost! No races this weekend, but fun plans to hang with friends tonight. 🙂
Carin February 11, 2011, 7:09 pm
Love the spirituality post – what an easy, fluent, discursive style of writing you have!

I’m running a 10k tomorrow, my first race of the year. Still very hot here in NZ so I’m hoping that I manage with the heat… I’m doing a half marathon in a fortnight and I really want to keep improving on my (admittedly very slow) PB times!
- Caitlin February 12, 2011, 7:32 am
  Thank you for the writing compliment too 🙂
Carin February 11, 2011, 7:11 pm
BTW, it’s Shrove Tuesday this week – do you and the Hubster celebrate Pancake Day as a nostalgic British thing?
- Caitlin February 12, 2011, 7:32 am
  I don’t think so – I’ll have to ask him!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss February 11, 2011, 7:11 pm
Not this weekend, but I will next weekend! It’ll be my first race in a while and my first ever 10k..I can’t wait! And that puppy’s so cute!! I’m not sure I would have been able to give him up. 😉
Parita@myinnershakti February 11, 2011, 7:24 pm
You are such a good person! I love it!

What is your deadline for the Operation Beautiful guest posts???
- Caitlin February 12, 2011, 7:31 am
  No deadline, whenever you get them to me is fine.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) February 11, 2011, 7:51 pm
Not running any races, just like a chicken with my head cut off 🙂

the easy wheatberry meal looks fabulous!
Heidi Dietrich February 11, 2011, 8:14 pm
Hey, on the DOMS question:
I swear by rowing or cycling the day after a marathon or ultra. It’s better than massage. Go light and easy (and if you don’t actually bike or row, hop on the erg or spin bike and your gym). It flushes out the muscles without working them in the same way that walking or running does.
Give it a try next time! Much, MUCH better than resting all day. Muscles just get stiff that way.
Natalie February 11, 2011, 8:35 pm
Thank you for helping those dogs & owners!
Whitney February 11, 2011, 8:43 pm
There is an amazing God who sent his son to die on the cross for our sins. Having a relationship with God is the most important thing to me. I’ve had too many “coincidences” to think there is not a higher being. If you surrender yourself and accept him you will experience the most amazing love and peace within your heart. Religion gets too complicated so it is more important to focus on faith and the relationship itself.

Sorry to “preach”, but I just wanted to share my personal experience. 🙂
- Caitlin February 12, 2011, 7:30 am
  Preach on 😉
Susan February 11, 2011, 8:44 pm
Yum. I’ve had wheatberries before, and wasn’t in love, but this might bring me back!

And since I’ve read Born to Run, I’ve found that I want to run with joy. I think giving yourself some space and taking the pressure off will help you physically and mentally!
AJ @ Flowing to Fifty February 11, 2011, 8:44 pm
I loved seeing your “Change the way you see, not the way you look” mantra again. As I struggle to get my weight back down into a healthy range, I often see my younger sis, who is a size 8 on a BIG day, detest and bemoan how she looks. I would (WILL!) feel blessed and grateful to be where she is, but there is no appreciation for the gift of her healthy, trim body. Go Operation Beautiful! There is so much work to be done….
Tess February 11, 2011, 8:54 pm
I’m running the Mardi Gras Rock N Roll Half Marathon on Sunday! I’ve run 13 miles and more before, but never in a race setting–I’m excited! Thanks for all the pups you save, too. I can’t imagine what I would do if one of mine ever ran off. Heartbreaking!
- Caitlin February 12, 2011, 7:30 am
  Good luck! You’re going to have a blasty.
Alexia @ Dimple Snatcher February 11, 2011, 8:56 pm
Caitlin, you really inspire me with the work you and your husband do for Girl’s On The Run. Thank you.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 11, 2011, 9:00 pm
I think it’s crazy how many dogs you find! They are drawn to you!!!
Madison February 11, 2011, 9:07 pm
You are an angel for reuniting lost pups with their owners. Your lunch looks amazing. I am going to try it out with teriyaki sauce. 🙂
Kris February 11, 2011, 9:30 pm
Oh you with Reilly pulls on my heartstrings. So glad you could reunite him w/ his mom. Have a great weekend!
- Caitlin February 12, 2011, 7:29 am
  You too!
SaraRM February 11, 2011, 9:46 pm
Im running a “Frigid 5m” tomorrow. And it will be VERY frigid!
- Caitlin February 12, 2011, 7:29 am
  Good luck with your frigid race!
christine February 11, 2011, 10:03 pm
Love that you help lost pets! I try to too, as long as they’re friendly. As a dog owner I want good karma points just in case mine ever gets lost (and it makes me sad to think of someone missing their dog).
Laurie February 11, 2011, 11:10 pm
The poor doggie was blind and deaf? No wonder he got lost.
That dish looks pretty good. I need to get some wheatberries, I’ve only had them off the salad bar at Whole Foods and I love them. Now THAT is an expensive salad bar.
Angie February 12, 2011, 12:10 am
That looks DELICIOUS!
Ellie@fitforthesoul February 12, 2011, 3:41 am
Oh yes…I have wheatberries and this looks very yummy~Your meals always look very simple but I think that’s what makes them look so good. 🙂
Stacy February 12, 2011, 9:09 am
Just wanted to add another post thanking you for helping reunite the dog and its owner. As a Humane Society employee, I know first hand there are way to many stray and homeless pets and its not always easy to find their “person.” Thanks for getting this one back home again!
Stacy February 12, 2011, 9:09 am
Just wanted to add another post thanking you for helping reunite the dog and its owner. As a Humane Society employee, I know first hand there are way to many stray and homeless pets and its not always easy to find their “person.” Thanks for getting this one back home again!

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