Pets bring a lot of joy and love to their owners' lives and athletes are no strangers to having pets they live and train with. Unlike most people with regular jobs, athletes usually have the opportunity to spend most, if not all, of their time with their pets. I spoke with two athletes who have that opportunity about their relationship with their pets and how their lifestyles affect their pets' lives.

Ingrid Kantola and Cora

Ingrid has been a high-level CrossFit competitor for years, competing individually at Regionals for years and competing at the Games with her team from CrossFit Jaakarhu in 2015. She rescued Cora, a Pit and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, in 2013 when Cora was already 2 years old and immediately started taking her everywhere with her, including the gym.

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Even during those early days, Cora would calmly watch Ingrid's training sessions. "I'd ask her opinion on my lifts," says Ingrid. "She wasn't very much help."

Having Cora is like "having a shadow, a constant companion, a best friend" and just as Ingrid cares about her own nutrition, she looks after Cora's nutrition too. Early on, Cora had a lot of issues with vomiting and diarrhea and like any concerned dog parent Ingrid tried different foods every few months to see what would sit best with Cora and make her healthy.

I love taking her out for a walk and getting complimented on how pretty and healthy she looks

Ingrid finally found Nulo, and immediately saw a huge difference in Cora. Her poops became healthier and more regular, her coat, eyes, and nose looked healthier, her energy levels increased, and it really suits her both inside and out.

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"I love taking her out for a walk and getting complimented on how pretty and healthy she looks," says Ingrid. "I know Nulo is the best thing for her and I don't want to compromise her health and happiness!"

Aja Barto and Sorrow

Aja Barto has competed at a high level in plenty of sports from professional baseball to the CrossFit Games as an individual. Known for his discipline and his athleticism, it's no wonder he has a dog known for those same traits. Sorrow is a Belgian Malinois, a breed known for being active, athletic, alert, and intelligent.

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"I'm going to use the same principles with him that I do with myself: consistent and dedicated training to build a respectful and loyal dog," says Aja. For Aja, who usually trains alone, Sorrow is comforting because no matter how the session goes, Sorrow will always support him. "I like to imagine he's looking up to me as an example and Sorrow holds me accountable."

As someone who runs a gym and coaches full time, Aja regularly finds himself coaching classes at his gym at very early morning hours and according to his gym's members, even at 4:30 in the morning Sorrow is full of energy, healthy, and happy.

I like to imagine he's looking up to me as an example and Sorrow holds me accountable.

Nulo's approach to dog food resonated with Aja's mindset. "The chance to treat my dog the same way I treat myself really drew me to Nulo. High protein, grain free, healthy food" were big parts in Aja's decision to have Sorrow on Nulo from the moment he first got him.

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Like many pet owners, Aja loves knowing that Sorrow will always be there to love him and shower him with kisses and licks no matter what.