You know Venus Williams as the tennis phenom who has changed the game – and the way the world looks at women who play it – forever. But did you know that the sports icon is also a dog mom? Now, the award-winning athlete is using her fame to encourage other dog owners to exercise with their fur babies.
Venus Williams Joins Active Pet Initiative
The initiative is called Monday Like a Pro and it’s in partnership with Purina Pro Plan. It’s a two-month call to action for pet parents to get their pups moving. Starting March 13, dog owners will be invited to keep track of “active minutes” with their canine companions. Every time the collective activity minutes logged hits 1 million, Pro Plan will donate $15,000 (up to $150,000) to Athletes for Animals, a non-profit consisting of professional athletes that helps homeless pets.
Williams was inspired to partake in this venture by her own four-legged best friend, Harry, a senior Havanese.
“I’m a passionate pet owner, and my dog is my life,” the 42-year-old tennis player told People. “He is the focus of my life. I love the little guy.”
Harry came into Williams’ life 16 years ago.
“I had not planned on getting a dog,” Williams told People. “And I just saw this dog one day, and I called my sister and said, ‘What should I do? I like this dog.’ And she said, ‘Get him. I love him already.’ And so it was the best decision and best advice I ever got.”
Harry accompanies Williams everywhere, from the office to the gym to world travels. One of Harry’s favorite destinations is Paris, where he enjoys long walks through the City of Light – on Williams’ back in a knapsack.
“We’ve had a lot of special moments exploring Paris together,” Williams told People. “He didn’t know he was seeing a lot of Paris, but he saw a lot of the very special history.”
Dog Owners, Start Your Engines
While Harry isn’t big on tennis or even playing with balls (he prefers squeaky plush toys), Williams does make sure her furry friend gets enough activity. She hopes that other dog owners will be motivated by the Monday Like a Pro Challenge inspires dog owners to exercise with their pups.
“I think that we’re all very busy today, and it’s challenging to find that time to make sure that our dogs are getting the proper exercise that they need,” Williams told People. “But it is good for dogs to get their exercise too. And, of course, it strengthens your bond because you’re spending time together, and there’s nothing like that.”
