After a six-month pause, Friends of Strays will resume a program where people can take shelter dogs out for a day of fun.
Doggy Day Out, which began in May 2019, is an opportunity for people to hang out with a dog for a day. It allows those who otherwise couldn’t have dogs experience fun with a canine, and enriches the lives of the shelter dogs. It also allows the shelter to better understand how certain dogs will react to different environments and situations, according to a press release.
“Whether you’re just visiting St. Pete, living in a place that doesn’t allow pets, considering adding a dog to your family, or just want to have a fun adventure with one of our dogs, Doggy Day Out is a way for everyone to experience the joy of a canine companion,” said CEO Dara Eckart.
The program was previously halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. In order to remain safe, those interested will need to schedule their appointment with the dog online. Doggo-friends will then be given a time to pick-up the animal safely. They will also be provided with a list of safe, mostly outdoor activities they can do with the dog. Outings can last just one hour or an entire day.
“We’re so excited to bring Doggy Day Out back to the Saint Petersburg community,” Eckart said, “Doggy Day Out is sponsored by our city’s restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and more— and there’s no better way to safely back them than with an adoptable shelter dog.”
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This article appears in Best of the Bay 2020.