At first glance, pit mix Harlow seemed similar to all the other dogs at the East Ridge Animal Shelter. But when she was given the opportunity to go hiking with a volunteer on Raccoon Mountain, she blossomed and was adopted shortly after.
"She was very scared of sticks [that first time]," says East Ridge Animal Shelter officer Kelsey Cagle. "When the volunteer went to throw a stick for her own dog, Harlow cowered and didn't know it was being thrown for play.
"We learned she had probably never gotten to experience anything fun like that before, and she had a blast. It made a huge difference for her."
East Ridge Animal Shelter dog Cayenne.
East Ridge Animal Shelter dog Mia.Now with the shelter's new program, Hikes for Hope, animal care officers hope to give other dogs the same positive experience, as well as a little bit of publicity to get them adopted. Those who are approved for the program can take dogs who have been personality tested, whether it is for an afternoon hike or a weekend in their own home.
Cagle, who helped start the program, says she was inspired to do so by watching her own dog, a Mastiff.
"She was a rescue from a puppy mill who had never touched grass before in her life," she says. "And I don't want other dogs coming from similar situations to be in that same boat.
"I want them to be able to go out and experience what life will be like when they get adopted at least they can get a little taste of what's to come."
When each animal is checked out through the program, they are given a leash, harness, a bandana that says "Adopt Me" and food.
In addition to the socialization, shelter workers hope the new program will help dogs who become overly stressed in the loud kennel environment.
"One of the problems that we have here is that the dogs can all see each other and they get stressed out," Cagle explains. "We see dogs who will just jump to the top of their kennels over and over again; that's really common.
"We want people to know that with Camp Jordan just a few miles from here, it's not even far to take a dog on a walk or a run. And they love every minute of it."
Those interested in the program should contact ERAS at 664-0271. Applications for Hikes for Hope can be emailed or picked up at the shelter at 1015 Yale St.
"If you truly love dogs, come take one of ours for a weekend," says Cagle. "If you can't own one, come see us and get your dog fix Or, if you want to test and see how your pet will do with a new addition, this is a great way to do that."
Contact Gabrielle Chevalier at gchevalier@timesfreepress.com or call 757-6439.