BRENHAM ANIMAL SERVICES INTRODUCING DOGGY DAY OUT PROGRAM
Brenham Animal Services is rolling out a new program to enrich the lives of dogs at the shelter and help them thrive in their journey toward finding forever homes.
Clint Kolby with his daughter,
Catherine, and shelter dog, Luna.
(courtesy City of Brenham)
The Doggy Day Out program is designed to help shelter dogs destress for a few hours, while developing essential life skills and experiencing the joy of new adventures. It also provides them the opportunity to meet and interact with people who may not normally visit the shelter, further expanding their socialization.
Animal Services Manager Megan Gray says the program is “an amazing way for the community to serve the shelter dogs during their stay.” She says, “It is a great way to provide enrichment and an even better way to promote them for adoption.”
The first participants in the program were Brenham City Councilmember Clint Kolby and his family, who took out a long-stay dog named Luna who has been at the shelter since March 28th. Animal Services staff members provided a bag with all of the essentials, including a dog seat belt, “Adopt Me” vest and disposal bags.
The Kolby’s first took Luna on a car ride to their house and introduced her to the rest of the family. They then took Luna to Hohlt Park, where she enjoyed sightseeing and chasing squirrels. Clint Kolby said participating in the program was “the perfect way to introduce a new dog to my young kids” and was “an incredible experience.”
Program participants must be at least 18 years old and be a registered volunteer at the Brenham Pet Adoption Center. Interested individuals can complete a volunteer application and orientation process, which includes an additional in-person application and approval before scheduling a Doggy Day Out visit.
Other volunteer opportunities with Brenham Animal Services include walking and socializing with pets, helping match pets with adopters, taking photos and videos of the animals, fostering, assisting at events, and laundry and dish duty.
More information on the Doggy Day Out program and Brenham Animal Services can be found at www.cityofbrenham.org.
What a wonderful idea!