In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Lauren. Lauren recounts how her 'failed' sheepdog Pip came into her life at 13 months old, having never truly bonded with farm work, and how the two forged an extraordinary connection in a family environment. From tentative first nights indoors, to running together in canicross, Lauren shares how this strong bond became a lifeline during a difficult season in her life. She opens up about losing her father to suicide, stepping back from her former high‑pressure work, and finding solace, purpose and community through running with Pip. Along the way, she discovered a new passion, launched Me and My Dog Running Club, creating personalised apparel. A heart-warming episode, showing that healing and connection can take unexpected and wonderful forms. We also chat about warm ups in our new feature Harness the Expert Timings0.00 – introduction & backstory: meeting Pip3.50 – Pip’s personality, calm indoors vs energetic outdoors5.20 – herding instinct & family dynamics on walks7.00 – settling into house life, first nights indoors9.00 – impact on child allergies & kids bonding with dog10.30 – discovering canicross & first parkrun experience13.00 – joining clubs, recce runs, community16.00 – learning about kit, harness choices18.00 – Pip’s running style, working as a team20.30 – running without Pip, ultra training decisions24.00 – doing the 50K ultra with Into Ultra support28.30 – goals together: longer distances, exploring events32.00 – how canicross changed Lauren’s life after loss36.00 – starting Me & My Dog Running Club and personalised apparel40.30 – Harness The Expert: How to warm up (you + dog) for a club run45.00 – closing, social handles & where to find Lauren onlineLinks & socialMe and My Dog Running Club on InstagramMe and My Dog Running Club on FacebookLauren’s personalised apparel websiteInto Ultra