07/03/07 Fit with Fido

Dogs are a great fitness motivator, it simply isn't an option not to take our German Wirehair for a run every day. When I think of how desperately my own dogs crave outings, I can't fathom how tough it must be for dogs that are locked in animal's shelters for days on end. But one kind fellow in Seattle did and his efforts are making life more bearable for dogs awaiting adoption. In 1998 Alan Ward developed a program, ( the first of its kind in the nation) that pair's people who love to run with dogs that need to. He calls it get" Fit with Fido" and it has been a fabulous success for the Seattle Animal Shelter. Three days a week shelter volunteers take dogs on a 4 mile runs through a park The program is a win win for dogs and people. Runners, (especially women ) enjoy not only the companionship but also the protection of a big dog and the dogs become more adoptable because they are emotionally happier and settled after fresh air outings. Hats off to Alan Ward, for developing " Fit with Fido" an innovative program that is giving pound puppies a 2nd chance. For more information on how you can start a program like this in your community call Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-615-0829