If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, but you’re not quite sure how the pooch will interact with your children or other pets or in its new surroundings, the Turlock Animal Shelter can help.
At the same time, you’d be helping the Turlock Animal Shelter.
Doggie Day Out is a new program that was launched March 4 by the shelter, allowing folks to check out a dog — almost like a library book — for the day (special arrangements need to be made for overnight outings).
“This has been over a year in the making,” said Katie Walthrop, the city of Turlock’s Animal Services supervisor. “And it’s a win-win in my book.”
There is no cost to take out a dog, and no reservation to make; just a few papers to sign. Turlock Animal Shelter provides a collar, leash and a smock for the dog to wear that says, “Turlock Animal Shelter … Adopt Me.”
“The dog becomes a walking billboard,” said Walthrop.
BARKS AND BREWS
The Turlock Animal Shelter and Dust Bowl Brewing Co. are partnering for “Barks and Brews” today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dust Bowl Beer Garden, 3000 Fulkerth Rd., Turlock.
“We have the ideal setup to invite the community to come explore pet adoption,” said Michelle Peterson, director of marketing and communications for Dust Bowl. “The Beer Garden is always dog-friendly, so we’re hoping to see a lot of dog lovers out to support an important need in the community. And, of course, enjoy a beer while they’re here.”
You can “test drive” the dog to see if it’s a fit for your family, or you can simply take out a dog for a walk in the park or to keep you company while you enjoy a book and a cup of coffee in your back yard on a sunny day.
Either way, the dog gets some time away from the shelter’s kennel, which is the most important thing.
“Dogs normally sleep up to 18 hours a day,” said Walthrop. “With us cleaning the kennels and feeding all the dogs and walking through with people looking to adopt pets, they get overstimulated. They start to exhibit behaviors you don’t typically see. They need a break. They need a mental break. It can be stressful.”
Though they get attention and time in an exercise yard that is approximately 100 feet by 100 feet, it’s the same old environment day after day. A day out allows the dogs to experience something different and take in a whole bevy of new scents.
“It’s a much-needed break from the day-to-day activity of the kennel,” said Walthrop.
If you’re interested in taking a dog for a day out, there’s no cost and no appointment necessary. The dogs are available Monday through Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We’ve probably had 15 to 20 people come in and take out dogs,” said Walthrop. “One lady, she’s a regular. She takes dogs and walks them, with her elderly chihuahua in a little stroller. It’s the cutest thing ever. She’s probably checked out three or four dogs so far.”
And one day-out even led to an adoption.
“That dog had quite the story,” said Walthrop. “He suffered animal cruelty — fractured face bones — from his previous owner, who was arrested on felony animal cruelty charges.”
The program seems to be gaining traction.
“The Turlock Moms on social media mentioned that one mom and her kids checked out a dog … Duckie,” said Walthrop. “He’s a big, white Pyrenees. They took him to Home Depot and then to Dutch Bros. for a pup cup. Word is getting out. It’s great to see photos popping up on social media.”
Walthrop and co-workers at the shelter were chatting recently about the perfect scenario for a day out with a dog: a first date or even a blind date.
“You could meet at a local park and take a dog for a walk,” said Walthrop. “It’d be a great ice-breaker. And if the conversation lulls, you can always talk about the dog.”
The shelter is located at 801 S. Walnut Rd.
