Volunteers unite to walk Harris Co. shelter dogs each week

HARRIS COUNTY, Ga. (WRBL) — Every week in Harris County you can find Lisa Youmans with leashes draped across her neck, ready to give the dogs at the Humane Society of Harris County (HSofHC) more than just a walk, but companionship, exercise and a better chance at finding a forever home.

Youmans, a retired teacher, is a part of Wags and Whiskers Walking Club, a volunteer dog walking group with HSofHC, that allows members of the community to walk shelter dogs weekly.

“I was looking for some way to give back to the community after I retired from teaching and I came across this in my search and Kathryn [Daly] graciously invited me in and made me feel part of the team.” said Lisa Youmans.

Executive Director of Humane Society of Harris County, Kathryn Daly says the group of about a dozen volunteer dog walkers are a wonderful addition to the team that cares for the animals in the shelter.

“Dogs need different smells, different sites, they need to learn to comport themselves in different environments,” Daly explained. “Without that work, our dogs would languish and would really suffer in the shelter environment.”

As a more rural organization, Daly says that soliciting and recruiting volunteers is a difficult task.

“We’re in desperate need of volunteers everyday and its a little different out here because we’re kind of far away.”

The volunteers note that the work that they do ends up being good for both the health and wellness of the dogs and the volunteers alike.

“Its not all about the dog, its about getting exercise too. We walk each dog about 30 minutes,” said Lisa Youmans.

The executive director of the shelter says one dog in particular, a mixed breed dog by the name of DD, thoroughly enjoys her time of freedom.

“She’s been here 1,062 days.”

Those wishing to get involved with the organization in other ways can volunteer to bag food, help with enrichment activities, do handywork around the facilities or help with Saturday adoptions at the Petsmart on Bradley Park Drive.

For more details on the Humane Society of Harris County, head to their website and to stay updated on all activities, follow the Humane Society of Harris County on social media.