As I head out for another couple of hours at the animal shelter, I never know what I’ll find.  The hope is always for fewer dogs, no familiar faces, and good stories about the ones who have gone to their forever homes.  It’s not always the case, and so there’s some pleasure in going back to a kennel for a dog I’ve walked before and have him happy to see me.  They all have their own personalities, some eager and happy for attention, some timid and nervous about strangers coming at them.  We don’t always know their history, if it’s been good or bad, so us volunteers do our best to provide some comfort and good outdoor fun.

Most often I walk doggies at the fairgrounds, which is just up the street from the shelter.  It’s nice wide-open space without traffic, dogs or many people (and there’s lovely neighborhood streets to walk if the fairgrounds are busy).  One of the big double gates at the fairgrounds, usually closed to vehicles, is guarded by two metal-sculpted dogs.  There is passing room between the gate and a fence, but the metal dogs remain at attention, and probably half the shelter dogs notice these guards – by sniffing, keeping close watch on them or being nervous.   Though it’s scary for some, it’s hard not to laugh at the response to these metal dogs:

If there are enough volunteers, 2 to 4, we do play groups in one or both of the big yards.  It’s good exercise and socializing, and helps determine which dogs are well socialized – or not.  Most dogs are “fixed” at this point.  It’s a pleasure for the dogs and the volunteers, especially on a lovely spring, Montana afternoon –

If it’s just me, I often take a dog out to this yard for play time, sometimes to burn off some energy before a walk.   Some dogs are obsessed with fetching balls, so good exercise is easy to accomplish.  At this time of year there are “wading” pools in the play yards and they are used for cooling off and playing.   Fun is had by all. It’s satisfying to take a worn out doggy back to its kennel, have him happily take a treat, and be ready for a nap.

I had a couple of short videos I was hoping to share but this blog won’t take videos. Here’s a couple cute stills anyway…

Exercising dogs at the animal shelter is such a treat – for me and for them.   I highly recommend it 😊