The most important thing we can do for our shelter dogs is to help them form positive associations with all kinds of people.   This will help with their behavioural issues, making them calmer, quieter and more friendly when prospective adopters approach their kennels.

 

Our TEARS Dog-Walking Programme has made great strides (excuse the pun) in ensuring that our dogs receive daily stimulation and interaction with people and other dogs.     Dog-Walkers come from all "walks of life" and comprise school learners who come to TEARS to complete Community Service, but often stay on, also young people, some single, some married, who are often not able to have a pet of their own, so come to TEARS to walk our dogs.   There is also a special group of ladies who have been walking our dogs for many years.   Among them is a dear elderly lady who tires easily, so, she grooms some of the dogs between walks.   Other dedicated walkers arrive early in the morning and refuse to leave until every dog in the kennels has been walked.   With so many dogs at our shelter, they rarely leave before 2pm.   One of these ladies is mentioned in our story "A Devil called Angel".   Another couple has made it their mission to exercise Monica and Pinto, ex-TEARS dogs, who are now security dogs at a premises nearby.    Then, there is a compassionate lady who regularly takes dogs to her home for a day or more, which includes walks on Kommetjie beach.   A few of the Sunday walkers are great at organising big groups of people who come to walk.

 

A fairly new walker has initiated a passion for nurturing each dog as an individual into the walkers' schedule and has also introduced puppy training.    This person, along with a TEARS staff member, has produced a booklet - The Volunteer's Guide to Walking Rescue Dogs.   The booklet contains invaluable information including canine body language, a site map of TEARS' premises, how to use a choke chain collar, getting started, how to enter and exit a kennel, what to do on the walk, TEARS' Dog Rehabilitation Programme and what to do after the walk.

 

Dog walkers are definitely "going the extra mile" for the sake of our shelter dogs.   Their dedication is greatly appreciated not only by the dogs, but also by everyone at TEARS.

 

Organised walking takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, from 10am.   New walkers are requested to make contact with Leigh Hulsman via the office (021 7854482), to arrange for a short orientation before they start walking.