I am so impressed with the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. Lots of dog lovers like the idea of walking shelter dogs, but never do it because “it’s too depressing.” Well, yes, it is sad to think of all the dogs who don’t have families. It’s sadder to think of them never getting any fresh air or time out of the kennel.
At HSSV, “no dog ever runs out of time.” They’re actively looking for families for all the dogs there. In the two times I’ve volunteered so far, every dog I’ve met has been incredibly sweet. Really good dogs. Adoptable dogs.
If they’re a little rambunctious, it’s just because they need more exercise, and that’s motivation enough to keep me coming back.
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Kari Neumeyer 
What a great thing to do!
Wonderful way to volunteer your time! I’ve never thought of doing this before, but I’d like to look into helping walk dogs at my local shelter. Well, once things settle down at my house at least…
When I first thought of doing it, I thought, “Shouldn’t I use that time to walk my own dogs?” Which is why I chose this particular Humane Society, because it’s near my work. I can go on my lunch hour. And then I have extra incentive to walk my dogs when I get home. It’s my new workout routine!
That’s a really great idea! Because, yes, time is short and I could use it for my own critters! Nice break for a lunch, too. Getting outside and moving around is a good way to decompress.
That’s such a great way to volunteer! And I love their philosophy of no dog ever running out of time!
Thanks for walking them! As a staff member at a shelter I can say that the absolute best thing volunteers can do for us is walk dogs. They deserve as much one on one time and exercise as they can possibly get!
Can you tell me me about walking the dogs. I am in Lynnwood on 35th Avenue.
You can e me at ldc724 at g mail dot com or leave msg on http://cinnamonspiceadogslife.blogspot.com
Linda and Cinnamon
I’ll post it here too: The Humane Society of Skagit Valley has a volunteer orientation on the second Saturday of the month at 10 am. The next one is April 12 at 18841 Kelleher Road, Burlington, WA 98233, off the Cook Road exit. There are shelters closer to you, though. In Lynnwood: http://www.paws.org/volunteer.html And Everett (their program looks more structured) http://www.ci.everett.wa.us/default.aspx?ID=254
I love it! I’m sure you are an angel in their eyes and they look forward to your visits!
What a great post!!! I worked at a local humane society, and we were SO grateful for all of our dog walkers for volunteering…and of course the dogs were too! Shelters can be sad, but the ones around here are bright and cheerful places. That is great that you walk the shelter dogs – they get stressed being behind bars every day and definitely need lots of exercise. (I also love that you took out a pitbull – so many people visiting our shelter would walk right on by them simply because of the reputation of their breed.) Thank you for sharing!!
I’m sort of partial to the pit bulls. 🙂 Junior (the white one) is supposed to be part Dogo Argentino, which I’ve never seen before.
They all look like great dogs. I’m glad the shelter is able to keep them until they find a new home.
The Humane Socety here also has a program that matches runners with high energy dogs and they go for a run together.
Good for you to volunteer like that!!
Happy Wordless Wednesday!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
What a cool idea, and a great way to get some exercise for yourself, too. I know I could use more of that!
Walkies are the best! 🙂
This is great – we actually run with dog fosters whenever we have the opportunity!
I walk/play with adoptable dogs at a local shelter too. Every Monday! It’s a really fun thing to do! That black and white dog w/ the pink harness is really cute!
I think so too. His name is Maverick and I was sad I didn’t have time to take him out again today. He was barking in his kennel all the way at the end of the hall. I just have to hope another volunteer gets him out.
One of the first things I did when I got my driver’s license was volunteer dog walking at the PAWS in Lynnwood. It is indeed very rewarding work and not at all sad! The dogs truly appreciate what your are giving them which is a lot more than I can say about any volunteer work I have done with humans!
So true!! Although actually, for the past ten years, I’ve volunteered teaching a martial arts class to adults with developmental disabilities. They’re always very appreciative, and I always leave there in a better mood than I arrived. Same with the Humane Society.
You are awesome! These dogs look like this is the best thing that’s happened all week! What sweet faces 🙂
That is so awesome that you do that!!! I wish there was more time for me to do things like that… but with nine dogs I have a hard enough time keeping up with them 🙂
They’re both super adorable! What a great volunteer opportunity!
One of the shelters I volunteer for, Stray Rescue for St. Louis, has a running and a hiking program for the more active dogs. It’s great! Makes a huge different in their behavior when they meet potential families.