volunteer dog walking

**Hardy1** · 08-17-2007, 06:05 AM

Hi
Anyone thought about walking dogs at the local rescue kennels as a way of getting fit and losing weight? I have spent 2/3 days a week walking dogs at my local centre (I teach at college so am on holiday). I love dogs and have 2 of my own. I feel so sorry for all the strays and want to do something to help. What I've found this year is that I have lost a few pounds and i also feel fitter. I take one dog at a time for a good half hour walk and usually spend 2 hours doing it, so a few dogs get walked. Other people go there as well and it has been nice to meet the other volunteers. I just have to steel myself and not get too attached as i can't take them home! It's lovely when one has been rehomed and isn't there for walkies! I love to think of it all snug in its new little home

If there are any cat lovers out there, I know that in the UK the local rescues have volunteer cat cuddlers and socialisers - people who go and hang out with the cats basically and give them lurve! I'm sure the same thing will happen in US.
Thanks for reading
W

**JustJoy** · 08-17-2007, 04:37 PM

I don't do it to lose weight, but I am a dog walking volunteer at a local no-kill shelter. I wish I could take every single one of them home

**Hardy1** · 08-18-2007, 12:28 PM

Hi Joy - yes, I know what you mean. I always hope some of them have been rehomed and am sad for them when they are still there. Some really tug at the heart strings don't they? Here in the UK people have started to breed Staffordshire bull terriers (mostly crosses) just to make a bit of money from a litter. Then the people they sell them to often get fed up after a few months so many of the dogs in this centre are only about a year old. Such a shame. Most of them are picked up as strays in towns. Imagine just turfing your dog out?
Ah well. i go back on Tuesday so i am keeping fingers crossed that some of the long-timers have been homed over the weekend when families go along.
W

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 08-19-2007, 02:50 AM

I have volunteered at our local shelter for several years. I do it for two hours a week. I do dog obedience and spend some time with the cats as well. Our shelter is not a no-kill, but we put down very few animals. We have several dogs that have been there for months and tow cats that I think may be permanent residents! I love it when I go and discover that the "old timers" are rehomed!

**Hardy1** · 08-19-2007, 04:06 AM

Originally Posted by Lori Biever-Launder

I have volunteered at our local shelter for several years. I do it for two hours a week. I do dog obedience and spend some time with the cats as well. Our shelter is not a no-kill, but we put down very few animals. We have several dogs that have been there for months and tow cats that I think may be permanent residents! I love it when I go and discover that the "old timers" are rehomed!

Isn't it just a great feeling? One of the young dogs had been rehomed but also returned over last weekend because the child in the family ended up with an allergy to him. Poor dog and poor family.
I'm interested in your dog obedience. Do you do the lead walking, stay etc? I know that some dogs which pull like a train on the lead are more unlikely to be rehomed as easily as one which walks nicely. Still, they are SO excited to get out of the kennels that it is a shame to take like a snap shot opinion on the dog's behaviour when they are trying to tear round and round in circles.

I always come home and give mine a big cuddle after being with the rescue dogs.
W

ed to add - now why on earth did those sad faces appear at the top? One was meant to go after the bit about the dog being returned due to the allergy. hhmmmm.....technology and me don't go well together!!

**Granola** · 09-03-2007, 04:03 PM

I wish we had this near me. I used to live near a big city that did this, and I'd love to get my kids involved with this, but nothing here.

You guys are doing a great service!

**Jenna** · 09-29-2007, 11:26 PM

I just saw an ad on craigslist looking for volunteers at a local no-kill shelter. I'm excited at the chance to spend a little time with these animals. I'm waiting for a response as to the shelter's needs for volunteers.

**ubumartin** · 09-30-2007, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by Hardy1

Isn't it just a great feeling? One of the young dogs had been rehomed but also returned over last weekend because the child in the family ended up with an allergy to him. Poor dog and poor family.
I'm interested in your dog obedience. Do you do the lead walking, stay etc? I know that some dogs which pull like a train on the lead are more unlikely to be rehomed as easily as one which walks nicely. Still, they are SO excited to get out of the kennels that it is a shame to take like a snap shot opinion on the dog's behaviour when they are trying to tear round and round in circles.

I always come home and give mine a big cuddle after being with the rescue dogs.
W

ed to add - now why on earth did those sad faces appear at the top? One was meant to go after the bit about the dog being returned due to the allergy. hhmmmm.....technology and me don't go well together!!

Have you ever tried a Gentle Leader or Halti? I use one with my dog and I literally can walk him holding it with two fingers( I don't but I could). My dog is terrible on a regular collar. Even a choke chain he would pull and cough and it wouldn't stop him. He is a wonderful dog on his halti and after a little while of walking with it on, I will sometimes go back to the regular collar and he does much better. You can look them up on line. I had a gentle leader but just bought a halti and I like that much better. I swear by mine.

**Jaded** · 09-30-2007, 09:52 AM

My nearest shelter is 15 miles away, and right now I can't afford the gas. I'd love to check with the local Senior Friends and see if they have some elderly shut ins who need their pets walked around here close. I'm sure with all the retirement trailer parks, there are some people who need this service.

**Hardy1** · 10-10-2007, 03:18 PM

Hi Nancy - I know that the dogs at rescue are walked with gentle leaders (the pulling bull types anyway!). I tried one on my pulling retriever but it was difficult to get on and then cut into her. Cost £16 too! Having seen more types at the kennels, i will get one as i think she would do well on it. I know they make a difference, although some of their v strong dogs can still lunge about a bit.
thanks for the advice
W