After months of searching, I finally found what I’ve been looking for — a pup to call my own.

A 2-year-old golden retriever mix named Ariel stole my heart last week at a PetSmart adoption event, and my husband and I adopted her.

Since we got married, we have been looking for a dog, but we hadn’t found one that worked for us.

One of my biggest requirements, which seemed to be a deal breaker for many pooches, was that I needed a dog that could run with me.

I wasn’t looking for a pup that could run marathons without panting, but I did want a dog with enough energy to keep up.

Well, our Ariel might not be great on a leash (yet), but she already loves running.

Coincidentally, just a few days after we brought Ariel home, I got an email about The Riverfront Swim Club hosting a 5K to benefit Suffolk Humane Society — a perfect union of things I love — running and helping animals.

Although I didn’t get Ariel from Suffolk Humane, I think the work the group and all animal rescues do is absolutely wonderful.

These groups act as ambassadors between pets and the people who can give them homes.

With winter right around the corner and numerous homeless pets wandering the area, their work is especially important this time of year.

But Suffolk Humane has an added expense this holiday season. The group is moving into a new office in Driver, and it needs resources to transfer operations and to provide for the cats that stay at the office until they are ready to move to PetSmart adoption centers.

The Riverfront Swim Club’s race is a great opportunity to help out a local charity while doing something for yourself by exercising, especially because it is the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Participants can walk or run the race, and of course, dogs are welcome to trot the 3.1-mile distance alongside their owners.

Additionally, compared to many other races in Hampton Roads, the $15 registration isn’t too steep — think of it as a Christmas present to Suffolk Humane.

The holidays are a time to think about others, and I hope homeless pets are on your Christmas list.