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Angus is unique running partner

Lisa Vondenkamp of Marion didn't like running every day by herself. So she got a dog.

"I needed a dog with long legs, so I got a wolfhound," she said.

Angus is an Irish wolfhound, a breed thought to be the tallest in the world.

Lisa and Angus were entered in the Rhino Run during Chingawassa Days. They were planning to do the two-mile but took a wrong turn and ended up running the 5K.

At the end of the race, children gathered around to pet the dog, who seemed happy with the attention.

Although adult wolfhounds weigh more than 100 pounds, Lisa said Angus doesn't eat as much as one might think.

The Irish wolfhound is often called a "gentle giant." It is wonderful with people and likes children, but doesn't do as well with animals, according to experts.

The wolfhound originally was a war dog used to drag men out of chariots or off of horses. It then was trained as a hunting dog or guard dog and was used in herding sheep.

Nowadays, they mostly are used as pets. Angus is no exception.

"I keep him in the house," Lisa said. "He has his place on the couch."

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