2 days ago
Recess program gets dogs out of the shelter for a day
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Christie Schenefeld started fostering in March, but as summer approached, her schedule got busier. Just when she thought she had to take a break from volunteering, she found out about Rescue Dog Recess.
'It's just so fun seeing the dogs start out their day. Just excited to get out, go on an adventure and come back and they're resting their head on your arm or they're curled up snoring in the seat next to you. It's just so rewarding to see them just get to be dogs and be happy,' said Christie Schenefeld, a volunteer at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
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Schenefeld has taken dozens of dogs on field trips since the program launched in April. Some of her favorite stops are Great Bear and Falls Park, but they all end the same way.
'And then, of course, you gotta finish up with a treat or a pup cup,' said Schenefeld.
None of this would be possible without the employee who started the program.
'I saw other shelters kind of do a doggy day out program. But I like to be unique, so I named it something different. Rescue Dog Recess. Because we want them to have fun at recess like kids,' said Lexy Nuttbrock, a kennel supervisor and foster coordinator at the SFAHS.
Even though Rescue Dog Recess is still in its first few months of operation, it's been successful so far.
'We've seen less behavior problems. Dogs are walking better on leashes, they are being introduced to strangers better, less reactions. This is a super stressful place. So we are seeing dogs being allowed to be dogs,' said Nuttbrock.
40% of the dogs who went out for recess last month found their fur-ever homes.
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