Paws In Motion program helps local shelter dogs socialize
The clanging of metal mixed with loud barking fills the room as dogs leap against their kennel doors. They know what time it is: running time.
The dogs are part of Paws in Motion, a Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals program in which volunteers run or walk the shelter dogs in a one-mile or half-mile loop. Volunteers can also take dogs out to either of the two play and agility areas in the back of the facility. Each week, CNY SPCA volunteers walk about 50 of the 55-60 shelter dogs.
However, Paws In Motion loses many of its runners and walkers — 75 percent of which are college students who graduate or go home — during the summer and has to rebuild its volunteer base in the fall. During September, October and November, Paws In Motion works to secure a dedicated group of volunteers to continue to walk the dogs throughout the winter months, and is still looking for volunteers.
“When the dogs get exercise, they release energy and are more well-behaved,” said Dawn Lammert, a CNY SPCA volunteer and the Paws In Motion organizer. “They are more calm so people are more at ease around them and more likely to adopt them.”
Lammert, who adopted her own dog from the CNY SPCA after becoming involved with Paws In Motion, said the program is important because it helps socialize and exercise the dogs — something that usually doesn’t happen unless someone takes the dog out for a visit or for a potential adoption. She said many dogs go “kennel crazy” from being cooped up for long periods of time.
Donna Newman, a CNY SPCA volunteer, said Paws In Motion helps the dogs learn new skills, like walking on a leash, which also makes them more adoptable.
“Dogs are social creatures,” Newman said. “It’s good for them to be around people who give positive attention.”
Newman has made Paws In Motion a family affair. Her two sons helped build the agility course and her husband Kevin runs with up to 10 dogs almost every Saturday. Volunteers can exercise dogs during the CNY SPCA business hours during the week or from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Newman said the experience might be overwhelming for people the first time they visit the facility, but the experience is worth it.
Said Newman: “You see 50 dogs, and you say ‘I can’t help all these dogs.’ But if you come to the shelter and took out one dog and made that dog happy, that matters.”
