By WHS Volunteer, Dolores Hamilton
A few months ago, I received an email introducing a new volunteering option at the Washington Humane Society - running with shelter dogs. I've been volunteering for a while at WHS, doing things like attending adoption events and walking some of the dogs around the neighborhood - but this was different. It gave us volunteers the opportunity to interact with the animals in a less "artificial" environment. Since I was in desperate need of exercise, this initiative also served a dual purpose.
The first PACK (People & Animal Cardio Klub) run I attended was on a wonderfully sunny Saturday morning. Several volunteers attended - some quite fit, and some, well, like me. And several adoptable dogs from both the Georgia Ave. and New York Ave. Adoption Centers attended as well - some svelte, and some a bit more...voluptuous. But for all of us there was one common goal - to run 3 miles around Hains Point. Our run seemed to mimic an old, yet trusty, car engine - we started off a bit shaky and awkward-like, every being looking for their place in the pack, but after a few minutes of running, we were making sweet music. We looked as though we'd done this run every day. Thanks to the smart thinking of WHS staff members, we were provided with a water station, where the dogs took full advantage in their efforts to press onward.
Towards the end, the dogs, like me, could sense when we were nearing the finish line. There was utter jubilation upon our arrival (we even had a cheering squad at the ready to greet us). I must admit, the most exciting and rewarding part was seeing these dogs, who are normally filled with pent-up energy, exhausted after the run, laying near the water bowls, savoring their victory of having completed such a huge feat. This PACK run provided the dogs with much needed exercise, interaction with a pack of people and dogs alike, and publicity (who can ignore a group of folk runing with fabulous dogs sporting neon orange "adopt me" vests?). And yet, I think the benefits to the human runners far outweighed those of our shelter dogs - do you know how rewarding it is to see a dog smile?
So, every other Saturday, I join a group of eclectic volunteers and eclectic dogs. And we run.
Interested in joining Washington Humane Society's PACK? Contact the Behavior & Training Dept. at 202.723.5730 ext. 122 or email AsktheTrainer@washhumane.org for further details!
it's great to share with each other
Posted by: Cari Uang | October 25, 2010 at 11:23 PM
this is a great idea.. we should support this idea by telling to our family members..
Posted by: laser teeth whitening | October 18, 2010 at 12:52 PM
I am very much interested of this wonderful idea of Washington Humane Society, since this event is implemented in order to interact with our pet. so,thanks for the volunteer and for those who cooperate to make this event successful!this is to promote healthy lifestyle to our pets!
Posted by: Veterinary Pet Insurance | September 21, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Morality may consist solely in the courage of making a choice. (Leon Nlum, French statesman)
Posted by: Jordan 4 | September 18, 2010 at 03:37 AM
Morality may consist solely in the courage of making a choice. (Leon Nlum, French statesman)
Posted by: Jordan 4 | September 18, 2010 at 03:34 AM
honestly, this is a great action to do.
i will motivate my family to do this
thanks
Larry | http://www.laserteethwhiteninginfo.org
Posted by: larry | August 23, 2010 at 03:19 PM
Does anyone have an idea where I could post requests for comments for example, by --
announcing it on a forum or group without seeming pushy?
Posted by: NFL Jerseys | August 19, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Hallo,
Ich haben eben Eure Internetseite besucht und nutzen sogleich die Gelegenheit,euch auch einen Gruß aus Deutschland in Eurem Gästebuch zu hinterlassen. P.S. Kommt uns doch auch mal besuchen
http://www.MeerblickSylt.de
http://www.OstseeblickHolm.de
Posted by: Volker | June 02, 2010 at 04:34 PM
I've had a photoblog for a few months and I know I've had about 10,000 hits or so, but just 2 comments. I know people rarely leave comments on photoblogs (unless maybe they're your friends). Does anyone have an idea where I could post requests for comments for example, by --
announcing it on a forum or group without seeming pushy?
Posted by: teeth whitening | April 30, 2010 at 11:53 AM
I noticed recently that when I leave a comment on a friends page it shows up on live feed. Is there a way out of this, I don't want my comments being posted on the live feed for everyone to see.
Posted by: free dental care | April 30, 2010 at 11:45 AM
What are the details for this Saturday's PACK run - Feb 21st? I was interested; however, do not see any specific details.
Posted by: Angela | February 17, 2009 at 11:35 AM
i have a question if this is the a P.A.C. (political action comitte)program.
Posted by: tong | November 25, 2008 at 12:31 PM