Happy big 1-0 to my best running buddy 🐕🎉❤️

[cheekychipmunks]

Today is a special day. This is also rather a self-indulgent post, but without this little dog it’s doubtful whether I’d even be a runner. 🥰

On 26/02/2012 a litter of 11 yellow lab puppies was born, one of which we picked to bring home to be a friend to our old lab, Wally. We named her Flossie. ❤️ Apart from thinking he was her mum and trying to suckle from him (😳), they were great friends and Wally lived another happy 18 months.

Fast forward to 2018 and Flossie accompanied me on every one of my C25K runs. She has celebrated my successes and dragged me out the door on less than perfect mornings. She never complains. She has probably been with me on 85% of all my runs, from PR, home and away, to my long runs up to HM in distance. All runs, except PR obviously, have been off lead. I retired her from running at PR since we returned after the lockdowns. I want her to enjoy running, chasing, stopping and snuffling, keeping her happy and healthy in her advancing years.

However, she still comes volunteering with me, and she’s basically Eastville’s mascot! This week they used her name gratuitously in the FB pleas for volunteers, and guess what, we had a full roster! She even provided chocolates to anyone who came to be Barkcode Scanned by us. We had a lot of takers! 😅

So Flossie, Happy 10th Birthday, and here’s to many more years of fun. 🥰🐕🎉

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Happy birthday Flossie! 🐶 Hope you have a lovely day and you’re spoilt rotten 🥳❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to David_G]

She did, thanks David! 🐕😀

[TailChaser Marathon]

Awww, happy birthday Flossie, you have a lovely, special day xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

She had a lovely day TC! Now relaxing on the sofa (like me!) 🥰

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

A very happy 10th birthday wishes to you Flossie, I know that you love being at parkruns with your owner, although your owner no longer runs at parkrun with you, she loves your company when she is volunteering, I agree with your owner, you should be the mascot for Eastville Parkrun, once again a very happy birthday to you Flossie.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Flossie thanks you Al! She’s had a lovely day and can’t wait to come to Eastville to volunteer again. 😀🐕

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

My cat Eeshan (that's the cat you can see on my profile photo) also wishes Flossie a very happy birthday 🎂.Flossie is the No. ONE BARKcode scanner and volunteer in England at parkruns.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Lovely cat Al! Flossie has her own cat friend - called Biggie Smalls! He’s almost 12 and they’re the best of pals, often grooming each other. ❤️

Yes, she’s an expert Barkcode Scanner! 😅🐕

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I got a post email from Parkrun headquarters saying that no dog can register for a parkrun, many runners are very disappointed at that decision.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Yes, I saw the same email. Whilst it would be fun to register a dog too, it would no doubt mean more work. Likewise babies in buggies don’t count!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Nawhhhh 🥰🥳🥳🥳

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

🐕🥰

[Fran6500 Half Marathon]

Aahhh - how nice. She is a great friend to have🐶🥰🥰

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Fran6500]

She’s a great friend Fran6500. Kind and gentle and tons of fun. 🥰

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Happy birthday to Flossie from Molly and me. Molly will be 10 on 25 June, so not much between them, age wise anyway. Flossie is clearly a beautiful dog, both in respect of looks and nature. Unlike Flossie, Molly doesn’t join in with runs, but she is definitely my best mate. We have been through a lot together. She is excellent company for lunch at the cafe, and I am never short of people to chat to when she is with me! Wishing you both many happy runs. 🙂🐶

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Aww I didn’t realise they were so close in age BC! Definitely great pals aren’t they, and she’s the star of the show at Eastville. When I turn up to run there without her, the disappointment on people’s races is real! 😅 Keep enjoying your lunches with Molly! 🥰

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

How wonderful cheeky, and what a lovely dog she is too. A lovely personality and very well trained. I remember how much fun Oisin had throwing sticks for her when he and damienair visited Eastville. They should adapt a pink vest for her.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. Yes she had a special bond with Oisin didn’t she? Today she had plenty of stick throwing volunteers and she even found a random tennis ball. The perfect start to her day! 🎾🐕

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

Happy Birthday to Flossie, such a sweet doggie xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

Thanks Shakes! She says thank you! 🐕🥰

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Happy birthday, Flossie! And well done, CC, on all those runs.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Aww thanks Stephen. Without her I’m not convinced I’d have done half as many! 🏃‍♀️🐕

[Bluebirdrunner]

Your constant companion and loyal friend. Happy 10th birthday dear Flossie 🐕 your very own Benji😊🙏xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks BBR! I often equate Flossie to Benji! Both kind and gentle pups. 🥰

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon]

Aww Happy Birthday Flossie, and how lovely to be a mascot! I miss my boy, lost him in Oct, loved running with him amongst other things. Enjoy your time together as it is so precious .

🐾🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Awww I’m so sorry you lost your boy Hedgehogs. It’s hard isn’t it? 🥺

I retired Flossie from PR as she didn’t run on the lead at all during lockdown, and I didn’t want to reintroduce her to it after running free for so long. She’s far happier doing her own thing. When she’s had enough she slots in behind me! 🐕🥰

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks. Yes It is so hard, I miss him so much. My remaining rescue aged 13 grieved as well, and she's still not right. She has terrible separation anxiety. They're our family aren't they.🐾🐾😒

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Oh that’s heartbreaking. 🥺 Would you consider getting another? They’re such wonderful friends. ❤️

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

we tried a couple of weeks ago, but she (Phoebe) wouldn't entertain it at all. She's almost deaf now and panics if she can't see either of us, so one of us always has to be here. Difficult but we just don't want to stress her out anymore than she already is.🙄

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Oh that’s hard, but I understand how tricky it is with oldies. Dear Phoebe. ❤️

[sparky66 Half Marathon]

Awe Happy doggy Birthday Flossie 🐾🐶🎂🎉What a lovely post cheeky 😊

She's made a wonderful running companion 🥇

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to sparky66]

Thanks sparky, she deserves her own post as she’s been running with me constantly except for races and now PR. A great pal! ❤️

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🥰🐾💕

[Cmoi Marathon]

Joyeux anniversaire Flossie, from Jedi and me! 😘 🎂🐕 🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Merci Cmoi and Jedi! 🥰

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Happy Birthday Flossie and what a wonderful thing to do, run together. Oh Cheeky that’s a lovely read, I miss my dog hugely

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

I know I wouldn’t have run half as much without her by my side Sola. She even makes running in the wind and rain fun! ❤️

[CBDB]

Awwwhh happy doggiversary!!!! Keep on running Flossie! 🐶🐾🏃🏽‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to CBDB]

Haha! Thanks CBDB! Flossie says thank you! 🥰🐕

[Katnap Marathon]

Does this mean we have another Oldfloss ? 🤔

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Katnap]

No.. that one is far faster, cuter and a heck of a lot younger... But what we have in common is that I, like Flossie, excel in dragging folk out of the door and get them running !!! xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes, that’s one thing you both certainly have in common OF! 😀🥰

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

See what you did there Katnap! 😅

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Happy birthday gorgeous girl 😍 I’m sure you have been spoilt rotten and you deserve it xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

She has indeed Sandie! Our RD even brought along some home made dog biscuits for her! 🐕😀

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Labradors are lovely dogs but not great running companions if you want to stay on the path and do a fast run. Too easily distracted! I often see a chocolate lab at our local parkrun, and he takes a lot to keep under control. Lots of people to say hello to, lots of trees to sniff, etc.

May she have many more happy returns of the day.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

I have to be honest nowster, Flossie used to be very good at staying on the path - I think being a girl dog, trees aren’t so interesting! Speed was never an issue as I’m certainly not a fast runner, but yes, I’ve seen some particularly exuberant labs who have minds of their own.

She’s had a wonderful day, being totally spoilt. 🐕🥰

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Not like this fellow, then? 😆

This was our family dog about 18 years ago, when he was about six. He left us at the age of 12.

If I could be sure of being able to be there for a dog, not leaving it on its own whilst I was at work, I'd have another in a heartbeat.

Labrador retriever with daft ears, on a beach

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

Gorgeous fellow! ❤️

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Just for info - parkrun will be issuing new guidance on running with dogs soon.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I’m wondering if they’ll stop them from running at all at some point. I know they’ve changed the ruling on leads - it’s no longer possible to use the hands free ones like I used to.

A few weeks ago there was an incident at Eastville where a lady was taken to hospital with a suspected broken shoulder after she tripped over 2 entangled dog leads, neither was her own.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

That is terrible cheeky. parkrun will let dogs continue ( but events can say if they don’t allow them) and new rules including leads will start in April. Floss can still volunteer, as long as Eastville allows dogs.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

They’re very happy to still allow dogs going forward Dexy5 . It was an unfortunate, but thankfully rare accident that morning. 🙁

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Happy Birthday Flossie ❤️🎂xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to lexi6]

Thanks Lexi, she says! 🐕❤️

[Frenc Half Marathon]

Happy birthday Flossie 🦮! Woof woof 🐶.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Frenc]

Woof woof back at you Frenc! Thanks! 🐕🥰

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Self-indulgent Cheeky? Definitely not - she deserves it! Happy Birthday Flossie!🎂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Aww thanks Jonathan! I thought she deserved her own post as she’s run many many more miles than I have! 🐕❤️

[JonathanP 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

And that's a lot of miles!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

I have an old Fitbit I should have attached to her collar! 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

What a lovely post!Happy Birthday Flossie from me and George dog xxx 😘

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Aww thanks aliboo and George! ❤️

[Cantstopmenow Half Marathon]

Ah, lovely Flossie. Hope you had a very happy birthday with lots of dog treats and maybe a sausage! Wishing you many more years of fun xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Cantstopmenow]

She had a humongous bone, only to be eaten outside CSMN! She couldn’t believe her luck. Plus home made dog biscuits from Eastville’s RD! Spoilt pup. 🥰🐕

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Aw, how cute is that? Happy (belated) Birthday to Flossie 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Couldn’t resist IP. 🥰 She’s a special girl and deserved her own post! 😍🐕

[Windoze Half Marathon]

Happy Birthday Flossie 🎂 🥳

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Windoze]

Thanks Windoze, she says! 🥰

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Aw happy birthday to Flossie from myself and Otis. One day I hope to run with him like you have with Flossie.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks from Flossie Decker! I can guarantee you’ll have a blast with Otis one day. You’ll both love it! 🏃‍♂️ 🐕

[Beatlesforever]

Happy birthday Flossie! 🐾🐶 Hope you had the most wonderful day full of treats 🐾🐾

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beatlesforever]

She had a ton of treats Beatles! I meanly had to reduce the size of her supper last night! 😅

[GTFC Marathon]

Love this ❤ what a special post from a special owner and her dog 🐕 🌟

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Aww thanks GTFC! She’s the special one. 🥰

[grumpyoldgirl]

Awww! Glad Flossie and you had a lovely day 😍🎈🎊🎂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

She had a wonderful day, thanks GOG! 🥰🐕

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Happy belated Flossie! I love the pictures - they are absolutely precious. What a great running companion and friend 💕

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks Sask, they’re a pretty good cross section of Flossie’s 10 years to date! She really is an amazing pal. 🐕🥰

[Slinkymalinki]

Great photos - she's turned out to be a great running buddy and friend. We share a birthday - I hope her day was as happy and special as mine! 🎉🐕😍

[misswobble Marathon]

Aw lovely dawg 🥰🐕. It’s great to have a running buddy. My borrowed one is retired now. I do miss him. I still walk him though 🙂

I hope your pal had a wonderful day 🥳

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks MW! She had an amazing day and was extremely spoilt. 🥰 Nice that you can still walk your friend, but like you. I do miss running at PR with Flossie. It’s for the best for her though. 🐕

[misswobble Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I walked my pal today. It’s been lousy weather but he doesn’t mind 🐕

[Oldgirlruns 10 Miles]

Belated birthday greetings Flossie, may there be many more to come! Do you have your own pink volunteer tabard?

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Flossie says thanks OGR! No, I’ve been on the lookout for a pink tabard for her. It will happen! For now she’s in retro yellow! 😅

[Hidden]

Happy Birthday, Flossie! Hope you got a nice big doggy cake to celebrate!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Oh yes BS, she had treats a’plenty! 🐕🥰

[Fabulous450]

😍😍😍! Belated happy birthday Flossie! You’re certainly a star in every way!! 😘❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Fabulous450]

Fabbbbbb! Hello! How are you? So good to ‘see’ you. 🥰

Flossie had a very indulgent day. 🐕🎉❤️

[Oldgirlruns 10 Miles in reply to Fabulous450]

Hello Fabulous450 - good to ‘hear’ from you!

[R4inbow Ultramarathon]

Awww, happy birthday lovely Flossie ❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to R4inbow]

Flossie says thank you R4inbow! 🥰