Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound (WAH) launched its third season this June and a great one at that! Initially a venture between Indianapolis Animal Care and Control (IACC), Doggone Connection, and IUPUI School of Physical Education, WAH got its start on the grounds of the White River Park with the help of the National Institute for Fitness & Sport (NIFS) in September of 2003. Its popularity and potential to grow soon became apparent.and grow it has!
Every Saturday in June, IACC transported 9-10 adoptable dogs to NIFS. By the time they were unloaded, people from all walks of life were already lined up to walk them. If not walking the dogs, they were grooming and petting them or just teaching them a few manners (for when they go to their new home!).
Not only has WAH provided a unique and enjoyable way to exercise for the "human" animal, it has also accomplished another huge goal for the four legged animals of IACC and that is to provide much needed exercise and socialization. In addition, the program has served to create awareness of the adoptable dogs housed at the IACC. Already in the first month of this season, 11 dogs have found new homes because their exposure with in the venue!
This year, WAH has expanded its partnership to include the IndyParks Division; Ellenberger and Garfield Parks will be the first to open their gates. Ellenberger Park will host WAH on July 9 th & 16 th , 2005 and Garfield Park will be host on August 20 th & 27 th . In September, WAH will return to its original site at NIFS.
For more information on how you can participate or if you would like to volunteer, contact Paula Puntenney at 431-4046 or ppuntenn@iupui.edu .
"Training is not accomplished by brute force, but by understanding the animal." ~ Nickolaus Pavlenkov (Russian Tiger Trainer)
