3 minute read
Get Up, Get Out, Get Active
Paws Humane Society
By Courtney Pierce, Interim Executive Director
Spring is right around the corner and there is no better time to participate in our Dog’s Day Out (DDO) Program at Paws Humane Society. The Paws Humane Dog’s Day Out program makes a difference in the lives of companion animals by ensuring they get plenty of exercise, attention, and exposure to environments outside of the shelter, all while putting smiles on the faces of the people who share this experience with them.
DDO is exactly as the name suggests; spending a few hours with a shelter pet outside of Paws Humane Society. This can be anything from grabbing a puppuccino, going on a hike, taking a leisurely stroll at a park, enjoying the off-leash freedom at the new Fetch Park in Uptown, or even a nap at your home. Research by Maddie’s Fund found that dogs on field trips were happier, more relaxed, more playful and calmer than dogs in the shelter. Dogs on field trips showed less nervousness, anxiousness, insecurity, barking, shaking/trembling and repetitive behaviors such as jumping. Both you and the dog can enjoy a day of companionship combined with an adventure, a win-win situation for all!
Not only is a Dog’s Day Out important and beneficial for a shelter pet, it can have positive effects on a person’s health as well. For instance, people who walk a dog are seen as friendly and more approachable. Stroking and patting a pet can reduce stress and high blood pressure. A dog’s nonjudgmental affection can provide mental health benefits as well as increased self-esteem.
How does DDO work? If you want to get involved in DDO you must be at least 18 years old and able to provide a picture ID. You can come down to Paws during our business hours, fill out a quick application, sign a waiver and pick out your adventure partner for the day. Dogs may
enjoy a day out anytime that we are open. We will provide you with a goodie bag that will take care of your doggy pal’s creature comforts and a list of suggested places to go and things to do. While children are welcome, we do ask you to leave your personal pets at home so our dogs can get the one-on-one attention they crave. Sounds like the perfect day out, right? We think our dogs will agree as they emBARK on their adventures!
What are the goals of DDO?
• To engage with the community in a fun, new way
• To increase adoptions of medium and large dogs due to increased information on the dogs’ behavior outside the shelter
• To increase safety within the building by keeping dogs’ stress levels down
• To increase enrichment for our organization’s dogs
Getting up, getting out and getting active is vital in ensuring a shelter pet remains happy and healthy. Join us in making a difference in the life of a shelter pet today!
For more information or questions regarding the Dog’s Day Out program, please email adoptions@pawshumane.org or call 706-565-0035.
4900 Milgen Road Columbus pawshumane.org office@pawshumane.org (706) 565-0035 • Vet Clinic (706) 987-8380