September 30, 2012

In the forms of rivers, lakes, and of course, the ocean, Al Rundio, PhD, DNP, is surrounded by water on all sides at home in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. “I love where I live,” he said. The open space and access to water have allowed him to stay active and pursue many outdoor hobbies, including swimming, biking, and kayaking. Although swimming and biking have been lifelong passions for Rundio, his fondness for kayaking began just nine years ago when a friend encouraged him to join them on a kayaking outing. Rundio must have had an inkling that he would enjoy it, because he invested in his own kayak and took a professional lesson before setting out in open water for the first time on Bel Haven Lake in New Jersey. On weekday evenings, Rundio swims in his backyard pool and saves both kayaking adventures and 15-20 mile trail bike rides for the weekends.

Rundio has two canine companions to enjoy the outdoors with, Papillons Logan and Luke, who he often introduces to his students via slideshow photos. Rundio adopted the first of the two, Logan, when his grandson expressed interest in having a pet dog. Logan is an alpha male and Rundio calls him “the drill sergeant of the house.”

One year later, Rundio entered a pet store with his family, intending just to admire the dogs inside. However, after spotting another Papillon that appeared to be very frightened, Rundio returned home with a second dog, Luke. Luke likes to eat inanimate objects and has had surgery on three separate occasions in one year alone to remove these objects, earning him the nicknames “million dollar dog” and “new car” because of the exorbitant veterinary bills he incurs as a result of his habit. Rundio cherishes his pets. “A dog’s love is unconditional,” he said.

Aside from enjoying his two dogs, kayaking, swimming, and biking, Rundio also likes to visit museums, sit down to brunch at some of the Victorian bed and breakfasts in Cape May, New Jersey, tour homes for sale, and attend antique car shows.