The Rescue Runner Program, hosted by McHenry County Canicross and Herzog's Heroes, connects rescue dogs with active volunteers for structured walks, hikes, runs, and outdoor adventures designed to provide exercise, enrichment, positive experiences, and greater visibility for adoptable dogs.

For many rescue dogs, time outside of the shelter or foster environment gives us an opportunity to see a different side of who they are. Volunteers get to know the dogs on the trail, help build their confidence, and share the stories and experiences that may help connect them with the right home.

At the same time, Rescue Runner gives people who may not be able to foster or adopt a meaningful way to help rescue dogs while doing something they already enjoy — being active and spending time outdoors.

Your donation helps make those adventures possible.

Funds raised through the Rescue Runner Program support participating rescue organizations as well as Herzog’s Heroes, the nonprofit organization overseeing the program. Herzog’s Heroes' portion helps support Rescue Runner operations and its broader work aimed at reducing shelter intake and improving outcomes for dogs.

When donating, you have the opportunity to choose a participating Rescue Runner dog that inspired your gift.

Together, we can give rescue dogs more opportunities to move, explore, be seen, and find the people who are right for them.

How your donation is used
After payment-processing fees, 50% of donations inspired by a participating Rescue Runner dog will support that dog’s rescue organization. The remaining 50% will support Herzog’s Heroes, including Rescue Runner Program expenses and Herzog’s Heroes’ broader work to help reduce shelter intake and improve outcomes for dogs.

Ways your donation can help

While the Rescue Runner Program is grateful for donations of any amount, here are a few examples of what your support can help provide:

$25 — Trail Starter

Helps provide dog ID tags/cards, laminating supplies, clips, poop bags, water bowls, and other individual outing supplies.

$50 — Leash Champion

Helps provide one bungee leash/line for a Rescue Runner team.

$100 — Gear Champion

Helps provide one properly fitted canicross harness or one volunteer running belt.

$250 — Team Champion

Helps outfit a complete Rescue Runner team with a harness, bungee line, and volunteer belt.

$500 — Adventure Builder

Helps outfit the people and dogs who make Rescue Runner possible by funding items such as volunteer T-shirts and Rescue Runner dog bandanas.

$1,000 — Program Builder

Helps grow Rescue Runner through volunteer recruitment, rescue outreach, marketing, events, technology, and program development.

Support the 2026 Rescue Runner Program

Every Mile Can Make a Difference