Take a dog for a run, then take it home forever

You can exercise a pooch while you try to prevent a pooch belly from all those holiday cookies.

Best Friends Animal Society will let you take one of its adoptable dogs for a run Saturday, Dec. 21, during its Doggie Dash.

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Best Friends in Atlanta works collaboratively with area shelters, animal welfare organizations and individuals to save the lives of pets in shelters in the region.

During the holiday edition of the Doggie Dash, participants are encouraged to wear a holiday outfit, then sign a waiver and jog — or walk — with a dog wearing a Christmas sweater. You can sit and have some hot cider when you’re done.

The running loops are 1.5 and 2 miles long, and you make more than one loop if you have the energy. Kids ages 12-17 can participate with adult supervision, but no children younger than 12 are allowed.

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For anyone thinking of expanding their family this holiday season, the Doggie Dash is a great way to get to know a dog before adopting it and taking it home.

The dog-walking app Rover just released its top dog names in Atlanta, so you can get some suggestions for what to name your dog.

Did you know becoming a pet owner can help you live longer, according to two studies published in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association?

There are only 21 spots left, so click here to reserve yourself a spot.