Trust me my runners aren't going to run one event while looking past it to the second event. When they get on the line for the 10K that's a do-or-die situation for them.
I've always been an animal lover. I've grown up with dogs my whole life. I think that is what helped me get the role on 'Lassie' I was comfortable around the dog where many of the kids were afraid or intimidated by Lassie.