From Shelter Pup to Podium Star: Bob the Dog Is Beating the Odds

Motivation is one of the key reasons athletes make it to the podium. And besides his family, the main source of motivation for runner Ivo Luthi... is his mixed-breed dog, Bob.

But three-year-old Bob doesn’t sit on the sidelines—he runs right alongside his owner.

Dressed in a matching uniform, the dog runs with him all the way to the finish line.

Bob is an amazing partner! No matter the terrain—mud, pavement, or gravel—Bob is always by Ivo’s side.

Is there better encouragement? I don’t think so.

Their dedication has earned them first place in Ivo’s category, and the victory wasn’t just the one time! Their last one was on December 10. Cool, right?

Bob’s Adoption

Bob was adopted in 2020, after Ivo’s daughter saw a Facebook ad in a litter of puppies that were up for adoption. All of them had been adopted, except Bob.

According to Ivo in an interview with Amo Meu Pet (our Brazilian pet news website), “he was the only one left, no one wanted him.”

Bob was born to be Ivo’s partner, who adopted him in December of that year.

“We got him all the necessary veterinary care, and he became a part of the family”, he said.

Race Partners

Bob arrived during a tough time—the pandemic. Ivo, who already had the habit of running, started taking the puppy with him, since the streets didn’t have a lot of people and cars.

“At first, I always kept him on the leash, and little by little I started letting him loose, but with the leash dragging after him so I could pick him up when necessary,” he explained.

Time passed and Bob’s running skills improved. It was then that Ivo began to run with him on Sundays on Brasil Avenue (the city’s main avenue), teaching him to respect traffic.

“Now, when he comes to a corner, he only crosses when I cross,” he said.

This year, Ivo started taking Bob to street races. And of course, with all the safety measures in place, both for Bob and for the race participants, “So we don’t cause any trouble,” said the owner.

“We always start with the last group of runners so that there is no risk of someone tripping over him and falling.”

Ivo and Bob are an inspiration, aren’t they?

As soon as Ivo puts on his running gear, Bob’s ready to go too—geared up and excited!

Here’s rooting for this duo! May they travel many miles together and make many people smile with this incredible partnership!