ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. — A Triad program is encouraging people to lace up their hiking boots to help shelter dogs lead happier lives.
What You Need To Know
- Once a month, Hikes with Hounds volunteers walk shelter dogs up for adoption along Alamance County trails
- The program’s goal is to get dogs some time outside the shelter, get accustomed to being around people and help them find a forever family
- More information about volunteering is available here
Once a month, Hikes with Hounds volunteers walk shelter dogs that are up for adoption along Alamance County trails.
The initiative is a team effort between Burlington Animal Services, Graham Recreation and Parks and Burlington Recreation and Parks.
The program’s goal is to get dogs some time outside the shelter, help them get accustomed to being around people and ultimately, help them find a forever family.
Volunteers Cyrus and Barbara Simpson are longtime Hikes with Hounds volunteers, not to mention a walking success story for the program.
They adopted their dog, Georgia, after meeting her through a hike. Cyrus Simpson said every animal deserves a chance, and he would adopt all the dogs if he could.
“I wish every county would try to have something like this,” Cyrus Simpson said. “You can’t save ‘em all, but you sure try.”
According to program leaders, anyone interested in hiking with shelter dogs in Alamance County must be at least 18 years old, fill out a program registration and waiver and be capable of hiking three miles.
More information about volunteering is available here.
