Love Dogs? Then Do Good While Working Out

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juliee274
juliee274 Posts: 124 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
This post isn't a question but a suggestion. I work for a humane society, and I would like to encourage fellow MFPers to consider volunteering to walk adult dogs/large puppies at your local shelter.

Our adult dog walkers log anywhere from 2-6 hours when they come out to volunteer, and I cannot even imagine the miles they walk! Yes, they get a little muddy, but they also are rewarded with unconditional love from animals grateful to have a little time out of their kennel.

Everyone loves small puppies and wants to play with them, but most of the older dogs at the shelter where I work have been with us for a while (we don't euthanize) and they are in a kennel sometimes 23 hours a day. Volunteering to walk adult dogs/older puppies, even if it's just a hour or two a week, is a win-win for both you and the dogs. In addition to the exercise time, socialization with humans is so important for them to be adopted!

NOTE: Do call ahead to your shelter and ask their "rules" for volunteering. We have a core group of volunteers who go through orientation and receive training (if they come on a regular basis) but we will allow any adult to come out periodically, but there are a few guidelines.

THANK FOR CONSIDERING THIS ACTIVITY.....I can testify first-hand what a positive difference it makes for shelter animals to have this socialization and exercise!

Replies

  • Toddrific
    Toddrific Posts: 1,114 Member
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    Hmmm, interesting idea.
  • hahandel
    hahandel Posts: 134 Member
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    Thanks, I'll look into it!
  • PlumeriaToo
    PlumeriaToo Posts: 188 Member
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    What a good idea. Thanks.
  • sarahrichards81
    sarahrichards81 Posts: 79
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    I'd love to do this, sadly Londoners are all so desperate to walk dogs (every few people have them due to the lack of gardens) that Battersea Dogs Home have a waiting list to join their dog walking programme!!

    If anyone knows any other dog charities in London that need help do let me know as I would jump at the chance.
  • calliope_music
    calliope_music Posts: 1,242 Member
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    i need to do this :)
  • juliee274
    juliee274 Posts: 124 Member
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    Thanks everyone, for considering!

    Sarah, I know very little about London, but surely there is more than one shelter/rescue there?!? Maybe a close-by "suburb?" Just some thoughts. I hope you will find one to help!
  • Showcats
    Showcats Posts: 32
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    I went to a fundraiser for our Humane Society last night and decided to be a volunteer. I am going to sign up this week and am really looking forward to it!
  • xNJAx
    xNJAx Posts: 170 Member
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    What a fantastic idea! Thanks so much for the suggestion. There's only 1 shelter where I live but it's only a 5 minute drive from my house and I take my own dog for a 30-60 minute run every night with my husband so I could easily do this. Barnaby would love it too because he's such a sociable little thing and an 'only child'. I can't believe I haven't thought of doing this before! :)

    Natalie.
  • juliee274
    juliee274 Posts: 124 Member
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    That's awesome, Natalie....I am sure they would love to have you help out!
  • FORIANN
    FORIANN Posts: 273 Member
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    I just emailed my local humane society about this. What a great concept. At the very least when I get back to the States I am going to try to adopt this approach. If I'm going to go for a jog or a walk, why not take a fuzzy buddy along with me? :)
  • askme12
    askme12 Posts: 155 Member
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    Very cool idea, I'll definatly look into it .... Thanks!
  • woopidydoo
    woopidydoo Posts: 79 Member
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    Great idea.
  • Martucha123
    Martucha123 Posts: 1,093 Member
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    awsome idea
    my SO always tells me how much he would like to have a dog, but we have no room in our apartment,
    I just have contacted local sheletr to ask about walking the dogs :)
  • juliee274
    juliee274 Posts: 124 Member
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    I don't know about other shelters, but at our shelter we offer "respite" fostering where someone, once "approved", can take out a dog for a day or long weekend. I would ask about this option, as well!
  • jazzhatch
    jazzhatch Posts: 3
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    I will start doing this tomorrow.

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