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A Walk in the Park with Dogs

from the Humane Society of Walden

Whether you amble, ramble, or scramble…we have a walk for you…and the dogs to go with it. All paces welcome – meandering to marathon! Our shelter dogs LOVE strolling in the woods.

Here’s how our Sunday morning walks make a difference:

  • Break from the Shelter: These outings offer the dogs a refreshing escape from the shelter environment.
  • Engagement: During park walks, they are fully focused on their surroundings, leaving behind behaviors like barking, spinning, and jumping.
  • Relaxation: After a fun-filled morning, they return to the shelter tired, content, and ready to rest.
  • Training Opportunities: Walks allow us to reinforce basic commands in a real-world setting.
  • Socialization: Out in the park, the dogs interact with new people, making great impressions that could lead to adoption.
  • Good Manners: Exposure to other dogs in the park lets them practice their social skills and showcase their training.

     

    Upcoming Walk in the Park Dates

    Dec
    15
    Sun
    9:30 am A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    Dec 15 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    ***Please check our page for weather related cancellations or call HSW 845-778-5115*** Whether you amble, ramble, or scramble…we have a walk for you…and the dogs to go with it. All paces welcome – meandering to marathon! Our shelter dogs LOVE strolling in the woods of Winding Hills Park. We are asking volunteers to signup for each weeks walk using the below scheduler. Meet us at the shelter at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays to be matched with the perfect pup. Walking guidelines will be discussed. We will transport the dogs in our van (we can hold 4-5 dogs only) or you can use your car. We are usually back at the shelter by noon. Masks and social distancing are required. Canine benefits from our Sunday morning walks: much-needed break from the shelter environment dogs are engaged during outings in the park; barking, spinning, and jumping behaviors fade away. dogs return to the shelter happy, tired, and ready to relax. provides an opportunity to reinforce basic commands in a new environment provides the dogs an opportunity to socialize with strangers, make a good impression, and maybe even find a forever home exposure to other dogs in the park and can practice and[...]
    Dec
    22
    Sun
    9:30 am A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    Dec 22 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    ***Please check our page for weather related cancellations or call HSW 845-778-5115*** Whether you amble, ramble, or scramble…we have a walk for you…and the dogs to go with it. All paces welcome – meandering to marathon! Our shelter dogs LOVE strolling in the woods of Winding Hills Park. We are asking volunteers to signup for each weeks walk using the below scheduler. Meet us at the shelter at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays to be matched with the perfect pup. Walking guidelines will be discussed. We will transport the dogs in our van (we can hold 4-5 dogs only) or you can use your car. We are usually back at the shelter by noon. Masks and social distancing are required. Canine benefits from our Sunday morning walks: much-needed break from the shelter environment dogs are engaged during outings in the park; barking, spinning, and jumping behaviors fade away. dogs return to the shelter happy, tired, and ready to relax. provides an opportunity to reinforce basic commands in a new environment provides the dogs an opportunity to socialize with strangers, make a good impression, and maybe even find a forever home exposure to other dogs in the park and can practice and[...]
    Dec
    29
    Sun
    9:30 am A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    Dec 29 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    ***Please check our page for weather related cancellations or call HSW 845-778-5115*** Whether you amble, ramble, or scramble…we have a walk for you…and the dogs to go with it. All paces welcome – meandering to marathon! Our shelter dogs LOVE strolling in the woods of Winding Hills Park. We are asking volunteers to signup for each weeks walk using the below scheduler. Meet us at the shelter at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays to be matched with the perfect pup. Walking guidelines will be discussed. We will transport the dogs in our van (we can hold 4-5 dogs only) or you can use your car. We are usually back at the shelter by noon. Masks and social distancing are required. Canine benefits from our Sunday morning walks: much-needed break from the shelter environment dogs are engaged during outings in the park; barking, spinning, and jumping behaviors fade away. dogs return to the shelter happy, tired, and ready to relax. provides an opportunity to reinforce basic commands in a new environment provides the dogs an opportunity to socialize with strangers, make a good impression, and maybe even find a forever home exposure to other dogs in the park and can practice and[...]
    Jan
    5
    Sun
    9:30 am A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    Jan 5 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    ***Please check our page for weather related cancellations or call HSW 845-778-5115*** Whether you amble, ramble, or scramble…we have a walk for you…and the dogs to go with it. All paces welcome – meandering to marathon! Our shelter dogs LOVE strolling in the woods of Winding Hills Park. We are asking volunteers to signup for each weeks walk using the below scheduler. Meet us at the shelter at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays to be matched with the perfect pup. Walking guidelines will be discussed. We will transport the dogs in our van (we can hold 4-5 dogs only) or you can use your car. We are usually back at the shelter by noon. Masks and social distancing are required. Canine benefits from our Sunday morning walks: much-needed break from the shelter environment dogs are engaged during outings in the park; barking, spinning, and jumping behaviors fade away. dogs return to the shelter happy, tired, and ready to relax. provides an opportunity to reinforce basic commands in a new environment provides the dogs an opportunity to socialize with strangers, make a good impression, and maybe even find a forever home exposure to other dogs in the park and can practice and[...]
    Jan
    12
    Sun
    9:30 am A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    Jan 12 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
    A Walk in the Park Dog Walk
    ***Please check our page for weather related cancellations or call HSW 845-778-5115*** Whether you amble, ramble, or scramble…we have a walk for you…and the dogs to go with it. All paces welcome – meandering to marathon! Our shelter dogs LOVE strolling in the woods of Winding Hills Park. We are asking volunteers to signup for each weeks walk using the below scheduler. Meet us at the shelter at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays to be matched with the perfect pup. Walking guidelines will be discussed. We will transport the dogs in our van (we can hold 4-5 dogs only) or you can use your car. We are usually back at the shelter by noon. Masks and social distancing are required. Canine benefits from our Sunday morning walks: much-needed break from the shelter environment dogs are engaged during outings in the park; barking, spinning, and jumping behaviors fade away. dogs return to the shelter happy, tired, and ready to relax. provides an opportunity to reinforce basic commands in a new environment provides the dogs an opportunity to socialize with strangers, make a good impression, and maybe even find a forever home exposure to other dogs in the park and can practice and[...]

    Volunteer at the Humane Society of Walden

    Volunteer!

    Volunteer at the Humane Society of Walden

    Volunteer!

    These outings are a fantastic way to give our pups the exercise and joy they deserve – second only to giving them a forever home!

    Join us at the shelter at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, where we’ll pair you with the perfect walking companion. 

    Please note: This program is separate from our regular volunteer opportunities. If you’re interested in volunteering at the shelter or at off-site events, you’ll need to complete an orientation.

    Thank you for helping our furry friends! We’ll go over all of the dog walking guidelines in detail when you arrive at HSW, but here are some key highlights to help you get started:

     

    • Training Requirement: All new dog walkers must complete an on-site training session. For more details or to schedule your session, email Lisa at lisa@waldenhumane.org.

    • Stay Alert: You are responsible for the dog’s safety while walking. Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure you are focused on the dog at all times.

    • Interactions with Strangers: To keep our dogs safe, kindly inform strangers that the dog is in training and that they can meet them at HSW if they’d like. Please do not allow anyone to pet the dog while walking.

    • Public Spaces: For the safety of our dogs, please do not take them into dog parks, stores, or any public indoor spaces.

    • Dog Handling: While our dogs love affection, we ask that you avoid placing your face close to theirs and refrain from hugging them. This helps maintain a comfortable and safe experience for both you and the dog.

    • 10-Foot Rule: Maintain at least 10 feet of space between the dog you’re walking and other dogs. For the safety of all involved, there should be no interaction between our dogs or with other dogs while out in public.

    • Harnesses & Leashes: Our staff will harness and leash the dog for you. Please do not remove any of the equipment the dog is wearing. We will show you the correct and safe way to hold the leash, and you should periodically check that the harness and leash are secure.

    • No Smoking: Please refrain from smoking while around the dogs.

    • No Cell Phones: To avoid distractions, cell phone use is not permitted while walking the dog.

    • Supplies Provided: We’ll supply poop bags and treats for your walk. Please pick up after the dog.

    • Dress Code: Close-toed shoes, such as sneakers or boots, are required for walking our dogs. No sandals are allowed.

    • Age Requirement: Dog walkers must be at least 21 years old to hold the leash.

    Photos from previous walks