This October my dog Reese passed away, aged almost 15 years. It was a very difficult time for me since she was around through so much of my life and had travelled with me through so many life changes. One of her favorite things was taking nightly walks and after she went through a life threatening illness when she was 10 I promised to walk her every day if possible. I held true to my promise to the end of her life with her last walk happening just three days before she was put to sleep.
Once I had mourned I wanted to see how I could help other dogs. I found Reese as a puppy at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton where she was abandoned a few weeks earlier. I know that there are always a large number of dogs who need help and I wanted to see my best way to help out some dogs in the Dayton area. I decided to check out the SISCA website since they are close to my home and I know they have a great reputation for helping dogs & cats. After scanning their website for volunteer opportunities I found a program called Paw Partners Active where you can take a dog out on a walk or run for up to two hours. There are plenty of ways to volunteer, but I felt that this would be a great tribute to Reese since this was her favorite activity and I know most other dogs love it as well.
I signed up online and then attended three training classes. Since that time I have walked a total of seven dogs, with a plan to walk many more throughout 2016. I’ve noticed that the dogs are always very happy to walk and enjoy the whole experience. Hopefully Reese would be pleased with the time I am spending with these dogs and making their time before adoption a little bit happier.
SICSA just released their 2015 year end statistics and they mentioned that over 1,600 dogs & cats found forever homes this year through their organization. Find out more about SICSA and all of their volunteer opportunities here and if you are looking for a new pet drop by and see all of the wonderful dogs & cats looking for their forever home!
Photos of some of the wonderful dogs I have met and walked with:
Diamond
Goalie
Halli
Keiley
Opie
Pretzel
Zion
