No Pooch? No Problem! This Program Sets You Up With A Four-Legged Hiki

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Want a dog but lack the time or space? The Hike with Adoptable Hounds program is here to help.

I’ve written extensively here on PetGuide about the challenges of being a puppy parent in the big city. It’s not always easy having a dog when you live in the concrete jungle, and for many city dwellers, a lack of time, space, or a landlord that allows a pooch all play a role in the decision to remain dog-free.

Some people aren’t sure if they can commit to a dog full time, and that’s actually a good thing: it’s better to know that ahead of time than to adopt a dog, only to realize you can’t give them the home they deserve. This is how the endless and sad cycle of our loyal companions ending up at shelters across the country perpetuates itself.

One New York City-based adventure provider is hoping to help city dwellers and adoptable dogs find a happy medium with a new program called Hike with Adoptable Hounds. Discover Outdoor runs two monthly trips to Harriman State Park, an hour outside Manhattan, pairing dogs who need a home with outdoorsy, canine-loving humans for a daylong hike through the wilderness.

The dogs come from Animal Haven Shelter, located in the heart of NYC. The shelter’s kennel manager, Mary Wadlock, says the program is great for the pups. And so far, Hike with Adoptable Hounds seems to be attracting many busy, working millennials, such as marketing manager Patrick Pan, 27.

Pan loves dogs, but doesn’t feel settled enough to adopt one right now — he lives with two roommates in the city’s Financial District, so space is at premium. He heard about the program from a coworker and says he “signed up on the spot. It’s a great chance for these dogs to get out here, plus I love to hike.”

So far, none of the hikers have adopted their walking companions, but engaged couple Trista Watson and Tyler McConnell might just change that statistic: they’ve developed a soft spot for Barker, the Pitbull mix they were set up with for their wilderness hike. “We’re getting married in March, so I’m thinking about the next step, which is adopting a dog,” says McConnell.

A day with the Hike with Adoptable Hounds program costs $110 and includes transportation to and from Harriman State Park, a picturesque 4.5 mile hike and a 30-minute lunch break. And part of the proceeds benefits Animal Haven Shelter.

Interested in hiking with a pooch in need? Visit Discover Outdoor’s website for more information.

[Source: New York Post]

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Shar-Poo

The fun-loving Shar-Poo brings together the smarts of the Poodle with the devoted nature of the Chinese Shar-Pei for a great family dog.
How To Keep Senior Dogs Comfortable This Winter

When the temperature drops, your senior dog feels the cold right down to his bones! Make winter comfortable for your old pooch with these preventive tips.
Best Heated Beds for Dogs

Whether it''s cold weather or senior years, a warm bed comes in handy. These are top 15 best heated beds for dogs that will keep any fur baby warm and comfy!
Kanni

The Kanni hails from South India where he is also known as the Maiden''s Beastmaster. As a sighthound, the Kanni is an intelligent and trainable breed.
The Shocking Truth About How Cats Get Their Way Revealed!

Those crafty kitties are clever. Forget puppy-dog eyes - cats have a way of making you drop everything to tend to their every need!
Gerberian Shepsky

The Gerberian Shepsky (a hybrid breed) is often employed as a service/police dog, thanks to his alert nature, high intelligence and working dog background
5 Safety Tips For Moving With Dogs

Moving is a long process, so you''ll want to simplify as much as possible. We''ve put together a few tips to make moving with dogs safe and stress-free.
Best Small Dog Dresses

Small dog dresses make petite pooches look super cute on special occasions - take a look at our selection of best small dog dresses for a perfect pick!
How To Remove A Tick From A Dog

They''re more than an irritant - these little bloodsuckers can mean big trouble for you and your pooch. Here''s how to remove a tick from a dog.
What is Syringomyelia in Dogs?

An inherited disorder, syringomyelia in dogs affects the skull. A disease seen in smaller-breed dogs, here''s what you need to be on the lookout for.
Miniature Boxer

While they are non-aggressive, the Miniature Boxer is devoted to their families and can prove to be an able guardian if they feel their pack is threatened.
How To Stop A Dog From Barking

There''s no way to teach a dog to stop barking, but there are way to curb this habit. We''ve got some tips that will teach you how to stop a dog from barking.
Best Cat Enclosures

Have you ever thought about getting your cat an enclosure? If not, it might be worth considering. Check out the information below to learn a bit about the benefits of various types of enclosures for cats, and to access our list of product recommendations.
Engatzu Spaniel

Engatzu Spaniel is a hybrid breed, with two purebred parents: English Toy Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Read on to find out more about these rare designer dogs!
Scottish Deerhound

Heralded as the ""Royal Dog of Scotland"", the Scottish Deerhound is elegant, graceful and regal. He is a true gentleman and is a calm and polite dog.