The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society | Shelter for Dogs and Cats - Pet Adoption

Wanted: Winter Volunteers

Friday, January 15th, 2010

As appeared in Laurel Magazine, January/February 2010

Contributed by Cassie Welsh, Executive Director

As the area population dwindles in winter, so does the number of volunteers at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. Our Friday dog walking group in December was down to one dedicated local resident, who braved the cold to come exercise and groom a very grateful pack of dogs. Why? Because she says she benefits from the walks and socializing too!

A recent study from the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction revealed that seniors benefit more from regular walking sessions with shelter dogs than from scheduled walks with friends or a spouse.

In the 12-week study, dog-walking seniors aged 74 to 87 showed significant increases in walking speed, balance, and confidence, which are important indicators for older adults to avoid the “downward spiral” that occurs when they walk less, lose lower body strength, and isolate themselves socially. The group assigned to walk with another person five days a week — at the same speed and distance – did not do as well.

The reason the dog walkers fared better, according to the researchers, is that most people in their 70s and 80s are devoted to volunteering and the idea that there was a dog that needed them prompted them to arrive unfailingly for the walks. In the second group, these walkers would sometimes shorten their walks or not walk at all if the weather was bad or one person wasn’t feeling well.

We certainly have anecdotal evidence that our dogs benefit from the walks because some of the shyer dogs get socialized with both men and women and the younger dogs get some leash and obedience training, which makes them all more adoptable.

Plus, we always welcome volunteers who want to scoop poop in the outdoor dog runs, socialize puppies and kittens, groom animals, wash dishes, fold laundry, answer the phone, and type thank you letters. If you have any specific skills or experience that you think may be of benefit to us, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Photo caption:

Buck is one of the shelter dogs who has benefited from one-on-one time and walks

with John Huxley, one of our Friday dog walkers.

Tags: Laurel, volunteers, winter
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