The weather is finally warming, and there’s few things better than a stroll outside where you can enjoy the spring sun.
AWF invites you to enjoy that walk with a Buddy. Whether you need to get your steps in over your lunch hour, or stretch your legs a bit before dinnertime, we can set you up with a joyful canine companion as your “Lunch Buddy” to help you make the most of it.
On Tuesdays-Saturdays, from 11:30 am on until the shelter closes at 5:30 pm, you can stop in to get a Lunch Buddy — no appointment needed! You can choose a specific dog you want to get to know, or walk whichever dog is next on the walk list. On your first visit, we will have you fill out a participation form, and a brief training session will be available to you about working with and walking a shelter dog. Then you will be free to enjoy the walking paths on the shelter’s land (though we recommend you wear older walking shoes, as they are not paved).
Not convinced? Did you know research has shown that just being around a dog can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol? Studies also show that adults who regularly walk dogs reduce their risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and type-2 diabetes. And on one half hour walk, you can burn 127 calories!
We’d also like to highlight just how much a walk means to a shelter dog. It helps relieve their boredom, curb destructive behavior, encourage healthy digestion and weight control, keeps their joints healthier, and really gives them better quality of life while they wait for their forever family.
If you’d like to support our shelter & animals even further while walking your Lunch Buddy, consider taking photos or videos to post on social media and help others see the great animal you’re with. You can also download the Wooftrax app and track your steps to earn donation money for our shelter!
It really is possible to do this much good in just one short walk — good for yourself, good for an animal in need, and good for all of the animals in your community. We hope to see you soon, your Lunch Buddy awaits!!
P.S. Not comfortable with dogs? You are welcome to spend time socializing with shelter cats during open hours! No appointment needed, and kids can participate, too!