LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – The Lexington Humane Society has launched a unique program that helps shelter dogs and allows you to get involved.
Through the “Check Me Out” program, you can pick up an adoptable pup and spend a couple of hours with it. Being yanked from their normal lives and placed in a shelter can be stressful for animals. The Humane Society is always looking for ways to make their animals as comfortable as possible.
“You’re in a fantastic facility, however you are in a strange place lots of different smells, lots of different animals are here and strange people. So it’s going to be very good for the dogs to get out in the community,” explains Ashley Hammond of LHS.
The organization launched the program this spring after testing it with staff and volunteers first. People in the community can come pick up an adoptable dog and spend the day with it. You get a backpack full of supplies and information about the pup.
“They will be able to walk the animal around town, and introduce them to lots of people, get them out in the community get some socialization,” said Hammond.
LHS officials say this program not only benefits the animals, it helps spread the word about their mission and allows you to get involved.
“If you’re not able to adopt and you’re only able to volunteer certain hours, this is a great program for you to take advantage of. It’s like fostering without taking the dog home, it’s like a daycamp for the dogs to go out for a few hours and just be a dog. It’s wonderful,” says Hammond.
