There’s no better way to spend some time than walking that favorite four-legged dog and getting exercise—humans and dogs—than celebrating “National Walk Your Dog Day” on February 22. Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) takes it up a notch with its weekly Sunday morning hikes with the rescue dogs for the public led by knowledgeable volunteers. Walking or hiking with the rescue dogs isn’t only important on that one designated day annually, because it’s great exercise, gets the dogs out in the fresh air and starts the week off on a positive note.
The community is invited to participate in the weekly hikes, and it’s not necessary to be an ODHS volunteer to join. Volunteers pair dogs with hikers and lead the group on the trails. Hikers meet at the ODHS center at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays. The volunteers will bring the dogs to the door for hikers, who follow the caravan to one of the local trails. Hikers must be able to transport the dog in their cars.
“The Sunday morning hikes have been a popular activity for the rescue dogs and the community, and it’s a great way to meet people and give the dogs exercise and attention,” said Chrissy Blake, ODHS founder. “The rescues look forward to their weekly outings and the chance to go on an adventure.”
According to Time To Pet, a pet sitting software, there are a few bonuses to walking dogs, including:
Beginning the day with walking your—or a rescue—dog is a great way to get some exercise and prepare for the day ahead.
Walking dogs provides time for humans and dogs to connect while discovering the neighborhood or trails together. It’s also a great way for humans to meet each other and the opportunity for dogs to socialize with other animals that are also out on walks.
Most dogs have a lot of energy that needs to be exerted on a daily basis. When dogs haven’t been waked, they may become restless. Taking dogs for as many walks as possible will help them become relaxed and rested.