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It’s a new record for most dogs walked by one person at one time! It happened this morning, right here at Best Friends, and Guinness is reviewing the results. John Garcia, a dog caregiver at Best Friends took on the challenge, starting with 26 dogs, crossing the .6 mile finish line with 25 dogs, and the optional, more challenging, one mile finish line with 22 still under control!

It was a crisp and cool morning in the canyons. Folks from around the sanctuary gathered around nervously before the big send-off at 7:30 AM. “Isn’t this too much fun?” People were chattering, petting the excited dogs (who had no idea they were about to make world history!), and casting encouraging glances John’s way. Was John nervous? “What are nerves?” he asked with a laugh. But even his mom was there to watch him.

The 26 dogs came from all over the sanctuary, plus a couple who had recently been adopted. There were dogs from Old Friends like Zebra, who at ten years old was still spry enough to make history. There were inspirational dogs like Deuce who had been run over by a car when he was a stray, but today proved that three good legs are all you need. Also represented were healthy, active puppies like Tibet paving the way for the team’s future in years to come. None of the dogs knew why they were getting so much attention, but they loved it! (And oh look, looks like John’s going to take us on a walk, too! Sheesh, it was already a fun morning, and now it’s getting even better!)

The dogs were herded into a team. This part took a little help from snapbacks to hook all of these anxious dogs securely to one another. (Thanks www.snapbacks.com for donating 26 snapbacks to the event!) Curious coworkers were asked to step back out of the way. And one …and two …and three …and they were off!

You could hear them coming from half a mile away: Laughter and encouragement from the entourage, John’s whistles and “c’mon”s, the dogs’ panting smiles and footsteps in the sand. One dog got tired and had to be released from the herd (That’s partly why the entourage was following along.) But the other 25 kept going.

There were whistles and cheers as 25 crossed the mandatory .6 mile finish line, but John wasn’t done! He was going for the optional full mile, and so were the tail-wagging dogs! In the end, 22 of them made it a mile, all of them together. What a team!

And at the finish, doggie swimming pools and spring water were waiting for all. “The dogs were the real stars today,” said John, dripping in water.

Meet all the doggy athletes and the coaches who made the world record possible, complete with a photo gallery, on our official event site at: http://www.bestfriends.org/guinness

Article by Elizabeth Doyle.

November 26, 2008 : 9:14 PM ET
posted by: Deuce'smama

A Deuce update: He lives in Springfield OR; he has three legs now, bad leg had to come off; he is a therapy dog and loves it; he travels extensively; and he has a family who thinks he is the best dog ever. Thank you Best Friends! and everyone who cared for him until he came to us.

May 20, 2008 : 7:23 PM ET
posted by: killer3

me again, just wanted to remind you that u are a big fat jirk bii

May 20, 2008 : 7:18 PM ET
posted by: killer3

great job Jhon for a big fat loser with no life but with dogs. I hope those dogs kill you. But good job for raising all those dogs. Mabye you can give my friends and i a dog but u are a no life jirk bii

December 9, 2005 : 11:03 AM ET
posted by: OwnedbyCats

I can't wait to see next year's team. So how many dogs will it be next time, John? Hey, keep up posted on Penelope, Chico, Sonny, Bridey, Ginny, Shrek and Zebra? Let us know when they get into homes!

December 7, 2005 : 11:02 PM ET
posted by: cathyscott

Way to go, John! Woo hoo!! We're all so proud of you, as are my my critters Hollywood, Molly, Rosy and my new addition, Mia, a Hurricane Katrina survivor.

October 26, 2005 : 1:45 PM ET
posted by: BF Fan

Congratulations, John and all your four legged friends. Even Cesar Millan would cheer you on. He's a great guy too.

August 16, 2005 : 1:06 PM ET
posted by: QMD333

That's a nice story...good publicity for the homeless Animal problem. Lets make a world record that TRULY matters, however. Lets see to it that a record number of Companion Animals are adopted this year, more than any other year in history! While we're at it, lets also make this year a world record year for the most Spayings and Neuterings also!

We can do this by handing out pamphlets about Animals up for adoption at shelters in local communities. (Be careful NOT to do this at stores or public places that dont allow soliticing, however) And by handing out pamphlets reminding people to spay/neuter their Companion Animals. (Same "soliciting" warning as above, applies here as well) You can also post info on adopting an Animal, Spaying, Neutering, etc on the post boards at many stores. Plus, to help Animals in shelters, we can donate food and supplies to the shelters, so that they can spend more money on Spay/Neuter programs and on advertising their Animals who are waiting for a loving home. EVERY Animal deserves a loving home!

One person at a time, we can literally change the world. One person singing at a time, can make the world a chorus. One person using their instrument of love for Animals can make a worldwide symphony of Animal lovers make "music" that the world will hear. If we all do our part, that one person will be one billion people. One person at a time. If we all do our part.

What have YOU done for animals today?

If we all ask ourselves, "What have I done for Animals today?", and if we all DO something for Animals EVERYDAY, whether it's doing something "little" or big, we will achieve so much.

Matt

August 15, 2005 : 4:45 PM ET
posted by: utahorbust

Hey Christine,

Check out the story on the Best Friends news today about the upcoming art show in Texas.. the picture featured on the story (the painting by Cyrus Mejia... ) is of the one and only Deuce :)

I am hoping he makes prints.. I would love this picture in my home!

August 15, 2005 : 2:50 PM ET
posted by: pitpower

I am regretfully back in DC after my first, but not last, visit to Best Friends Sanctuary. What a heartwarming experience volunteering last week and such a surprise to have been a part of the viewing of the Guiness Record Event. It brought tears to my eyes to see all the brave, sweet dogs and John coming around that last bend at Angel Canyon. I, too, am partial to my sleepover buddy, Deuce. What a wonderful place, wonderful dogs and wonderful people. Kudos to you, Snaketrapper! See you all Soon!

Christine K.

August 14, 2005 : 11:26 PM ET
posted by: dgper

This is an absolutely wonderful story and I'm glad for the publicity for Best Friends. I am curious about one thing. Has anyone seen the show "The Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic chanel? Cesar Millan works with dogs with problems using pack mentality, and the opening credits show him walking, running, and skateboarding with his "pack" which he says is over 30 dogs.

August 14, 2005 : 1:06 PM ET
posted by: quinterawi

Go, John! And all those great dogs! And of course everyone there at Best Friends. How you did this I still can't fathom--lots of great practice and commitment on the part of everyone (including, perhaps especially, the dogs). Thanks also to all of you "behind the scenes" as well. I noticed Sherry and several other staffers trekking along, keeping the dogs moving, yet their names are never mentioned. Obviously they're all part of the incredible human and dog team.

What a positive story and great bit of PR for all those animals looking for permanent homes. Keep up the good work, all of you.

And John, thank you for being such a wonderful representative of the "younger generation" (I've also read about your other activities, including volunteerism and handling snakes, elsewhere on the BF website)--giving those of us in the "older generation" much hope in the future.

August 14, 2005 : 1:42 AM ET
posted by: jmoyer4515

WAY TO GO JOHN AND ALL YOUR FURRY FRIENDS!! We wish we were there to see you guys do it. John...you are wonderful and your laugh is the greatest!! See you soon! The Jersey Girls

August 14, 2005 : 12:54 AM ET
posted by: rescueman

Great work!

rescueman- The hardest day of pet ownership.... the last.

August 12, 2005 : 7:32 PM ET
posted by: Sherry Payne

My mom person read the article to me about the "miracle mile", so I have to add my "Good Boy" to you, John, and your friends and I wish them all speedy adoptions!

August 12, 2005 : 5:31 PM ET
posted by: wes0@aol.com

What a great place to set such a record...Best Friends is so inspiring in so many ways!!!

August 12, 2005 : 4:04 PM ET
posted by: MissWillieRay

What a fantastic story!!!! I read in my local paper, The Saratogian,re:the previous record-holder story,with 11 dogs,I believe. This couldnt have happened to better people or dogs!!!! I love Best Friends and cant wait to come visit one day!!!!

August 12, 2005 : 1:28 PM ET
posted by: Sandy

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! to all the Pups , John and all the volunteers who participated. Your all absolutely amazing...I wish I was there to see it happen. By the smiles on everyones faces you had a blast, I'll be there for next years event! Love to you all, Sandy

August 12, 2005 : 1:19 PM ET
posted by: k9mom

Never again will I complain when my two dogs wrap me up when we're walking! I can't imagine walking 26! Congrats John!

August 12, 2005 : 12:10 PM ET
posted by: himyers3

When I was reading the the Arizona Republic this morning, I saw the article on this amazing event. Little did I know that it was one of the staff members of Best Friends. My husband and I are regular volunteers at Dogtown. and I just wish we would have been there to watch. Congratulations to everyone that was involved in this world record. I hope to be there for next years try.

August 12, 2005 : 11:57 AM ET
posted by: rubybenjamin

Hi John, If anyone could break the record, you were the one. KUDOS!!!! Great story, Great photos, Great dogs, Great YOU. Ruby

August 12, 2005 : 10:35 AM ET
posted by: cunningham

Congratulations John...we are so proud of you!!! You truly are amazing and every dog's hero!!! We love you so very much!!! We are sharing your amazing story at work and school. Keep making us proud, nephew and cousin!!! Love you tons!!!! Aunt Christine, Uncle Larry, cousin Nick, Shane, and Nathan

August 12, 2005 : 9:49 AM ET
posted by: Fllyzrd

Congradulations to all!! What fun it must have been. Wish I could have been there. Just another fun great thing that was done at Best Friends. You guys are the greatest. Looks like the dogs had fun.

Liz