Compassionate Track Team in Florida Assists Shelter Dogs in Finding Forever Homes

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In a heartwarming collaboration, a high school cross country team in Florida has teamed up with a local animal shelter, uniting their love for running with the mission to help shelter dogs find loving forever homes. This initiative is not only promoting pet adoption but also nurturing a spirit of community and empathy among the young athletes at George Steinbrenner High School in Lutz, Florida.

For the past six years, the boys on the cross country team, fondly dubbed the "Boss Cross" boys, have taken it upon themselves to provide the resident dogs at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay with the much-needed exercise and socialization. Every summer, fall, and winter break, the boys are up at the crack of dawn, ready to run alongside their furry companions.

Fostering Bonds and Building Character

The conception of this unique partnership dates back to 2017, when Head Coach Allison Szponar was inspired by an advertisement seeking volunteers for the local Humane Society. Believing that this would be a great way to give back to the community, Szponar incorporated the volunteering initiative into the team's core values, encapsulated in their motto: "Gentleman. Scholar. Athlete."

According to Szponar, the initiative has done wonders in teaching the young athletes the essence of teamwork and the importance of caring for others. She remarked to Southern Living, “It teaches the guys to work as a team and to care for more than themselves.”

A Win-Win Initiative

Glen Hatchell, who oversees behavior and enrichment at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, shared the positive effects observed in the dogs post their runs with the team. They appear notably "relaxed", enjoying a fun stint outside the confines of the shelter, he noted during an interview with Fox News Digital.

The initiative has turned out to be a roaring success, fostering more than just bonds between the boys and the dogs. Since its inception, it has facilitated over 100 adoptions, finding many dogs their forever homes. Moreover, the Boss Cross team hasn't been left behind in reaping the rewards of this noble venture. Their camaraderie and enhanced sense of responsibility played a vital role in clinching the state championship in 2019.

Szponar expressed her conviction in the positive influence of the program on the team's achievements, stating, "I truly believe that these kids having this responsibility and having to care for others directly impacts our team and our success."

In this symbiotic relationship, everyone is a winner. The dogs find love and companionship, and the boys grow into empathic individuals, learning the joy of giving back to the community. A round of applause to the Boss Cross team for embodying the spirit of community service and showcasing the beautiful results of combining sport with a noble cause!