Why we run: She runs for rescue dogs

SINGAPORE — In this new series, TODAY seeks out local runners who not only run to maintain their fitness, but also for a purpose. Kickstarting this series is Marie Choo, a former public relations professional who gave up the office life last year to become a dog behaviourist and trainer.

Currently on track to becoming a certified personal trainer, the co-founder and CEO of the non-profit organisation Dogs Owners Guidance Support (D.O.G.S.) runs marathons to raise funds. Choo uses these funds from her Facebook network of donors to buy food for the local dog shelters, namely Mdm Wong’s Shelter, SOSD and Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter.

Last year, the 40-year-old completed one marathon — the Tokyo Marathon — in just under 6 hours. This year, she has raised the bar to two marathons within the year. She ran in the Gold Coast Marathon in July, when she not only set a personal best time of 5 hours 24 minutes 33 seconds, but also raised over S$14,000. Over the past month, she has raised S$6,000 for her second marathon of the year, the New York Marathon in November.

By dedicating her marathons to a cause close to her heart, Choo hopes to raise awareness about the plight of the dogs in the shelters as a result of Singapore’s urbanisation.

Q: What cause do you run for and why?

A: When I first started volunteering in dog welfare, I realised that there are a lot of less fortunate dogs in Singapore. I want to be the voice for the voiceless, so I run to raise funds to buy food for them in the shelters.

I always believe that giving is a blessing. To be able to give is a gift in itself. I’ve been very fortunate in my life. I’ve met many nice people who helped me along the way, so it’s time for me to give back.

Q: Is there anyone else who runs for this cause?

A: I think I’m the first, hence my tagline “I Run for Rescue Dogs”. I have other friends who have seen what I’m doing on my Facebook page, and they have also come forward to do the same thing.

Q: How do you raise funds for your cause?

It’s quite a funny story. I have never been a runner before. I only started running two years ago, and I never imagined running a marathon. My friends are actually quite amazed that I’m running marathons, and they said, “Since you’re suffering, we’ll donate for your cause”. That’s kind of how we started.

Last year, I ran the Tokyo Marathon, and managed to raise more than S$22,000 for a dog shelter in Singapore to buy a year’s worth of food supply. This year I’m going to raise the bar and run two marathons. I just did the Gold Coast, and I’ll be doing New York in November. I hope to raise S$20,000 to S$30,000, if possible, to buy food for three different dog shelters.

Q: How much have you raised so far?

A: I raised over S$14,000 for the Gold Coast Marathon. For the New York Marathon, I only just started last month, and I’ve raised over S$6,000 now. I’m still halfway from my target. Hopefully I can meet that.

Q: Any other methods of raising funds?

A: At the moment, no, because the response has been quite good just on Facebook. Initially, it just started with friends donating. Then it became strangers and acquaintances who got in touch with me, who wanted to donate as well.

Q: How did you establish your network of donors?

A: They’re mainly friends. Then they started spreading the word on their own Facebook pages, and then friends of friends came forward. And also thanks to the media in Singapore, some people got to know about what I’m doing and contacted me to donate as well.

Q: Why run marathons to raise funds?

A: I hope that when people see that I’m putting in the effort, that will entice them to donate. At the same time, I have never been really fit before, so I run not only to raise funds, but hopefully, to also inspire others to start their own fitness journeys.

Q: What is your fastest marathon time?

A: I clocked in 5:24 in my second marathon, the Gold Coast Marathon. That’s very slow by most standards, but for me, little baby steps, and I hope I can get faster over the years. For New York, I’m aiming for 5 hours. I know that’s still slow for most people, but that will be shaving 24 minutes off my PB, so that’s pretty good.

Q: Besides buying dog food, how else do you hope to help the dogs in the shelters?

A: Besides raising money, it’s about raising awareness. I also organise private tours with the dog shelters for donors and people who are interested to find out more about dog welfare in Singapore. When I first started volunteering, I didn’t know that there were dog shelters in Singapore. That was a very eye-opening experience for me, and I hope more people in Singapore can get to know that, and maybe play their part to help the dogs.

Q: Where do you see your cause heading towards in the future?

A: I hope to take it on a bigger level in terms of awareness and education. I’ll be bringing a donor and some friends to three different shelters in Singapore, namely SOSD, Madam Wong and Oasis. They are new to dog welfare, so hopefully they may take some pictures and share it on their Facebook pages, and then more people will be interested to come forward and help.

I’m always welcoming people to come forward and join the cause. There’s this girl who decided to join me, and she managed to raise over S$6,000. We will be delivering dog food to the shelters later, thanks to her donation. I hope more runners will come forward, run for a cause, to run with intention.

RUNNING TIPS

1. Start slow. You must first love running, so take it easy, start slow, and have very nice apparel because that will motivate you to go out and run.

2. Shoes are important as well. They must be comfortable. If you get a blister, you may not enjoy the run.

3. For an absolute beginner, do not be ashamed to walk. You can do a run-walk-run strategy and just enjoy the run.