Today’s Runner Spotlight is all about Bre, who will be traveling from Tampa, Florida to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon–her first marathon! As someone who has always had pets, Bre is excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

“Our domestic animals bring joy, consistent love, and routine to our lives and it is a bond worth protecting,” she said. Bre currently has a dog named Charlotte and a cat named Peeps, and is honoring her cat Rory, who passed away last year. “When I lost my beloved orange cat, Rory, I realized how important the bond between a human and their animal truly is.”

Read more about Bre in her Q&A below, including her favorite TV and animal–and more about Rory, Charlotte, and Peeps!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I wanted to challenge my mind, body, and soul! My longest run was the Gasparilla Half Marathon in February 2023. After completing that race, I was actually very sad. I know that sounds crazy! I realized that I enjoyed training for races just as much as the race itself. I love to push myself and I thought, what better race than the NYC Marathon?! 

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

My two passions in life are helping people and helping animals. 

The PAWS NY mission is the best of those two worlds. When I lost my beloved orange cat, Rory, I realized how important the bond between a human and their animal truly is. Our domestic animals bring joy, consistent love, and routine to our lives and it is a bond worth protecting. I am grateful to be able to raise money for a charity that recognizes that bond and donates their time and resources to help protect that relationship. In my current role as an attorney who fights to protect the rights of one of the most vulnerable populations, I can recognize the importance of a charity like PAWS NY. 

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I have always grown up around dogs and cats. I am so lucky my family raised me around animals because it taught me compassion and responsibility. 

In 2011, during my senior year of high school, my mom rescued Rory at eight weeks old and gave him to me. He finished high school by my side, then college and law school. He was even best friends with my now husband too. Sadly, he passed away in July 2022. 

In 2016, I rescued my dog Charlotte when I was a second year law student in Orlando, FL. She was about three years old. I knew the moment I saw her big ol’ puppy dog eyes that I was smitten. Charlotte enjoys cuddling, laying around, and more cuddling. My kind of girl.

In October 2022, after losing Rory, we opened our hearts and rescued Peeps. She is a dilute tortoiseshell cat. She came from the streets of New Port Richey, FL. She enjoys parkouring off of our walls, and cuddling with my husband.   

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been a casual runner ever since I can remember. It is one of my most enjoyable hobbies! 

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

I enjoy paddleboarding, watching a binge worthy show, and hanging out at home with my animals. I am sort of a homebody, but love going to coffeeshops and my go-to restaurants around Tampa (shoutout Ciccio Group)!

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

1) My favorite animal is a manatee. 

2) I despise potatoes, except in french fry form! 

3) My favorite show is The Office. 

We’re so excited to cheer you on as you run your first marathon, Bre! Click here to donate to Bre’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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