Birds Fly, Fish Swim, and Dogs Run!

Introducing: The PACK

The PACK is pleased to offer area runners the opportunity to join in the challenge and excitment of the 34th Annual

Join the few, the proud and click above to find out how YOU can participate!

Marathon too daunting? there is an opportunity for a 10K as well!

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The PACK (People & Animal Cardio Klub), consists of a group of volunteers who regularly meet at local parks to run with adoptable shelter dogs from either of WHS's two Adoption Centers. Just like traditional running groups this program unites people of like-interests to participate in a social activity and in doing so, support the animals of the Washington Humane Society!

As everyone knows, a tired dog is a good dog. Our PACK program is designed to provide additional, outdoor recreation for our adoptable dogs while they wait for their forever homes. By jogging alongside other dogs and people, the adoptable dogs receive:

• Exploration of new scenery and fresh air
• A positive outlet to channel tension and energy
• Opportunity to stretch muscles, improve cardio health, & strengthen bones
• Stability and socialization that a pack (human & canine) provides
• Additional opportunity to be seen by potential adopters
• Learn skills that may continue to develop with a new family
• Encourages others the importance of exercising their pets

Not only that, but a well exercised dog will display a more presentable, more accurate representation of their true character, while being viewed in their kennel apartments by
potential adopters.

Equally exciting are the reviews the PACK is receiving from its 2-legged members. PACK Volunteers are elated watching the dogs fall into place during the runs; finding their strides and running alongside their human and canine pack members as though they’ve done it for years.

Many of our volunteers have commented on the friendships that are forming with one another, and also how the commitment of running for a shelter dog is having a positive impact on their own cardio-vascular health.

Interested in learning more about becoming a PACK volunteer? Contact Kevin Simpson, Director, Animal Behavior & Training at AsktheTrainer@washhumane.org or phone at 202.723.5730 ext. 122.

For more insight into the running group from a volunteer’s perspective, please visit our WHS Blog at: http://washhumane.typepad.com/blog/2008/10/running-with-the-pack.html

How it all started…

From adoption vest to backpack - The Story of Spike:
A pilot for the PACK program occurred in Spring 2008 when the WHS Chief Operating Officer and WHS Behavior Director were running with a Pit bull dog named Spike. Spike was one of the first Pit bulls to become available for adoption at the Washington Humane Society and after a very long stay at the New York Ave. Adoption Center, he had became a regular face and friend of the shelter. The staff at New York Avenue aided in keeping Spike in the forefront of adoption events and gave him extra play sessions. The Shelter In-house Training volunteers worked with him daily. Still, Spike’s mood began to decline as he remained in the shelter waiting for a family of his own. Being a young adolescent canine, it was clear that Spike was becoming bored and a little reactive in the current environment and was in need of an additional outlet for his energy.

Various options were discussed to provide Spike with additional enrichment and socialization, before he was chosen to test pilot one of our first runs.

As it turned out, aside from a little nausea from the car ride to the park, Spike fell into his stride within minutes and ran heel-side with his human partner for the duration of the run. Spike, focused on his task-at-paw, and showed little interest in the other dog running alongside him or of the neighborhood dogs strolling about the city. A typical Saturday morning for many, a day at Disney for Spike, and a turning point for a new pilot program. The pack was beginning to gather….

Spike was adopted approximately 80 days after entering The WHS Adoption Center located on New York Ave NE. His name has changed, but he still regularly enjoys outdoor adventures with his very own family….

Read a glimpse into our inaugural run that beautiful day in early Spring.
http://washhumane.typepad.com/blog/2008/04/pet-ownership-d.html

Here what others are saying about the PACK!

"Woof Woof Woof ..... Arf Arf Arf" (Bear was completedly overwhelmed by the reception at the end of the run, she had been feeling a tad left out with the others leaving her in the dust, but was overjoyed when she saw the gang at the finish line waiting for her.) - Bear

“Honey made considerable progress since her first run with the PACK. After just a few minutes into the jog, she began to focus her puppy energy on keeping a steady pace and running close to my left. It was a big improvement since her first run when she jumped all over the place. I am proud of my little running partner and grateful to PACK for giving Honey the opportunity to learn new skills.” - Jen Flach, WHS Volunteer

"If you've ever needed incentive or motivation to keep running, run with the PACK. It's impossible to quit when you look down at your running partner and see that you've just provided this wonderful dog
with a gift so rewarding, necessary, and freeing. Everybody wins when we run. - Dolores, WHS Volunteer

PACK Sponsors

Interested in sponsorship opportunities with The PACK. For details please contact our Behavior & Training Dept. at AsktheTrainer@washhumane.org or call our Behavior & Learning Center at 202.723.5730 ext. 122

PACK Leaders

 

Big Dogs

 

Sporting Dogs

 

PACK PALS