Hiking Buddies program pairs hikers with dogs
The Nevada Humane Society has a new program that allows animal lovers to adopt a dog for the day to take hiking, jogging, or biking. The program benefits both the animals and the volunteers and seems to be a great example of a win-win opportunity.
The benefits to the dogs are pretty obvious: a day outside of their cages enjoying nature, human companionship, and mental and physical exercise to keep them healthy. The dogs even wear special vests or bandanas advertising the program and letting people know they’re available for adoption.
Volunteers get the chance to take a canine companion on a hiking trip while minimizing the responsibilities of pet ownership. One thing the program organizers don’t mention is the fact that I would imagine many volunteers end up falling in love with their dogs after spending time together outdoors and ultimately adopt the dogs for good. Honestly, how could you send a dog back to his cage after a fun hike together?
This is such a great program that it’s hard to believe it hasn’t been done before. Seems like a great idea to share with Humane Societies around the country…
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