Courtesy Photo
Finn is a 1 year old black labrador retriever at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter. He’s one of the of dogs volunteers can check out for several hours with the Hounds Around Town program.
Fayetteville Animal Services has launched an exciting new program to help shelter dogs. “Hounds Around Town” allows volunteers to check out a dog from the shelter for a few hours or even all day and get them out and about.
The program is a wonderful opportunity to not only get a dog out of the shelter but also to help their social skills and improve their mental health being outside of the kennel.
“Sometimes dogs will develop what we call kennel stress from being in a kennel all day,” said Joni Mosher, programs administrator for the Fayetteville Animal Shelter. “They can be aggressive toward other dogs or people. Hounds Around Town is perfect for them to get out and socialize with people and dogs.”
Hounds Around Town is also great exposure for getting them adopted by giving them more visibility within the community. This program is perfect for the dog lover that cannot have a pet at the moment but wants a running companion, hiking buddy, or a pooch to spend a few hours with at the dog park.
For anyone wanting to be more involved, it’s a fantastic opportunity for helping homeless dogs find forever homes. A few hours out of the kennel does wonders for a dog’s mental health. Spending time with a dog in need is also great for a human’s mental health! Its a win-win program.
Hounds Around Town is an extension of the dog-walker volunteer program. In order to become a volunteer for this program, you must be at least 18 years of age and attend Volunteer Orientation at the shelter, as well as the “Dog Walker” training.
Volunteer Orientation takes place every other Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter located at 1640 Armstrong Ave. and they last about 30 minutes, Mosher said. After that they get on a an email list for dog walking training.
Once approved, volunteers can come in Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to pick up a dog that’s ready for the program. Volunteers are encouraged to walk or play and interact with the dogs to keep them active. There are about 15 to 20 dogs eligible for the program, Mosher said.
“It helps burn that energy off and seem to be happier and more adoptable,” Mosher said. “They aren’t wound up tight after going out for the day. They’re calmer and show well for adopters.”
You can contact the Fayetteville Animal Shelter at 479-444-3456 or visit their website for more details.
Photo by Stephanie Conway
Dirk, Stephanie Conway’s doxie.
Dog Friendly Events & Fundraisers Calendar:
FIRST THURSDAY — There will be art, food for purchase, children’s activities and music by Smokey and the Mirror. Local brewers will be on hand in conjunction with NWA Beer Week. There will be craft beer for sale in the beer garden and root beer for the kids, all on the Fayetteville Square on Thursday, May 5, beginning at 6 p.m.
DOGWOOD WALK — On Saturday, May 7, bring your dogs out for a fun morning at Gulley Park for the Humane Society of the Ozark’s Dogwood Walk. Registration begins at 9 a.m., dog contests at 10 a.m. and the family fun walk around the park begins at 11 a.m. In addition, attendees and their dogs will enjoy information booths, dog demonstrations, a fun photo booth, face painting and much more. $20 for members, $25 for non members. Visit www.hsorzarks.org for more details.
PUPS ON THE PATIO @ NOMAD’S —Nomads Music Lounge will offer a special dog menu on Saturday, May 14, for their monthly Pups on the Patio from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The menu includes dog smoothies and chicken sno-cones as well as a full human food menu and craft beer selection. Ten percent of proceeds will go to the Washington County Animal Shelter. The event is rain or shine so come with your pup and enjoy their covered patio at 1431 S. School in Fayetteville.
YAPPY HOUR — The Animal League of Washington County will be hosting a Yappy Hour on the Noodles Italian Kitchen Patio on Thursday, May 29, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be appetizers, giveaways, music, gourmet dog treats and a cash bar. It’s $10 non members, free for ALWC members. BYOD means Bring Your Own Dog!
GONE TO THE DOGS FLEA MARKET & AUCTION — Come see the new Soldier On Service Dogs headquarters and browse for treasures at the Gone to the Dogs Flea Market & Auction. There will be lots of vendors selling goodies, as well as hot dogs, burgers, snacks and drinks. Flea Market hours are from 8 a.m until 4 p.m. on May 14 and admission is free. This event is for two-leggers only. Soldier On is located at 2378 Moore Lane, Fayetteville, AR 72704.
PINT NIGHT — Pint Night No. 3 hosted by Pack Rat will take place on Wednesday, May 18, from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. This dog and kid friendly event will include food and beer for purchase, as well as nonalcoholic beverages. Bring $6 and your photo ID to purchase the commemorative glass. Proceeds benefit Washington County Animal Shelter. 209 W. Sunbridge Dr. in Fayetteville.
Additional reporting for this article was contributed by Nick Brothers.
