By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Humane Society of the High Plains is trying to revive a program that allows local residents to take a dog for a day.
The program, dubbed Doggy Day Out, aims to reduce kennel stress among the animals, promote socialization with humans and increase the visibility of the dogs in the community, said Jessica Frieb, Humane Society assistant manager.
"They go out. They socialize with people. That brings awareness that this dog's available. They have little backpacks that say 'I'm adoptable,' " Frieb said.
The program was started in 2020, but was hampered by the pandemic. The number of volunteers working with the Humane Society in general has decreased significantly since the onset of the pandemic, Frieb said.
The Humane society is hosting a training from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at the shelter, 2050 E. U.S. Highway 40, for volunteers who are interested in being a part of the program.
Doggy Day Out days will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
The shelter can provide everything that the dog will need during the day out, including a leash, harness, water, snacks, and a crate or seat belt adapter. There is no charge to participants.
"Usually we try to send our more kennel-stressed animals out, because it can make a big difference if they can just make it out for a car ride for an hour or go for a walk in the park or go to Starbucks for a pup cup," Frieb said. "It really helps their stress levels and makes them more comfortable when they are here."
Volunteers are responsible for keeping the dog under control and on a leash. The Humane Society urges volunteers to leave their pets at home during outings and keep shelter dogs away from other dogs in the community.
"It's fun for them to take [the dogs] out, but it's more than just having a good time for the dog," Frieb said. "We really strive for the most comfortable environment we can have for the dog for the circumstances they are in.
"This is really going to help our stressed dogs decompress. The more time they have to decompress, the more adoptable they are."
Frieb said she wants the dogs to know they can still be dogs.
"You can still go for walks," she said. "You can still go for rides. You're not going to be in a kennel all of the time. It'll change.
"It helps the animal's mental health, and it makes a very big difference for the dogs that are kennel stressed."
If you are interested in participating in the Doggy Day Out program, email Frieb at [email protected] for more information and to register for the upcoming volunteer training.
You can also find a donation wish list for the Humane Society on the Humane Society's website. Click the "Ways to Contribute" button on the homepage.
The items the shelter goes through the fastest are bleach, cat litter and food. Although it's fall, the shelter is still receiving many kittens.
You can also see photos of adoptable pets and details on adopting on the website. The shelter also updates pets up for adoption daily on Petfinder.