Walking With Added Benefits

There is a way for animal-lovers to give back to the canine world and get fit at the same time.  Why not consider volunteering to walk dogs at a local animal shelter?  A good, brisk walk is great exercise. Walking with a grateful canine companion is good release for a dog that would otherwise be confined to a small space. A dog that has been exercised is calmer and consequently more apt to be adopted than one who has been penned and has the tightly-wound attitude to match.

The personal payoffs for dog-walking are several:  petting a dog can lower blood pressure and encourage calm. The time spent exercising slips by in a pleasant way when there is a wagging tail and bright personality as company.  The happy acceptance that a shelter dog gives can create a glow that lasts all day. Plus, they won’t reveal your secrets!

If you’re not sure where to start, enter your zip code at petfinder.com or pets911.com and then call to ask about volunteer exercisers.  Knowing there is a furry friend that can benefit from your walking efforts just might make it easier to stay motivated to get out and exercise.

- Pam Brooks

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