TAMPA (BLOOM) – Looking to get your puppy fix without the long-term commitment of adopting? The Adventure Tails program at Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center (PRC) is here to help animal lovers just like you!
Imagine spending the day strolling along the Tampa Riverwalk with a furry friend by your side or grabbing a coffee while a shelter dog basks in the sun. That’s exactly what Grace Lee, a regular Adventure Tails volunteer, has been doing since moving to New Tampa.
Lee, like many volunteers , found herself unable to resist the charm of the dogs at PRC. Though she adopted her senior pup, Maple, through the center, she couldn’t stop there. Through Adventure Tails, she’s been able to offer other shelter dogs a much-needed break from kennel life.
Adventure Tails: The Perfect Puppy Day Out
The concept is simple: you take a shelter dog out for a few hours or a whole day, giving them a breather from the often chaotic shelter environment. Volunteers like Lee get to enjoy some one-on-one dog time without the full-time responsibility of fostering or adopting, while the dogs get valuable socialization and relaxation.
“These dogs are totally different outside their kennels,” Lee explains. “You get to see their real personalities and how they’d be in a home environment.”
In fact, Adventure Tails outings often help dogs find their forever homes. The program provides PRC with insights into each dog’s unique traits, giving potential adopters a better picture of what they’re really like.
Doggie Days Made Simple
Lee’s outings with dogs like Tamale, a mellow brindle pit bull, and Holmwood, an 8-year-old American Staffordshire terrier, have been anything from peaceful naps to casual strolls. “Not every outing needs to be high-energy,” she notes. “Some dogs just want to hang out and cuddle.”
No matter how busy your schedule, Adventure Tails fits into your day. Whether you’re planning a hike, meeting up with friends for lunch, or just taking a walk in the park, adding a four-legged friend to your adventure is a great way to help a shelter dog feel loved—and you’ll get a little puppy love in return.
How to Get Involved
If you’re a dog lover who isn’t ready to adopt but still wants to make a difference, the Adventure Tails program is the perfect fit. Just a few hours of your time could have a lasting impact on a dog in need. Want to learn more? Contact the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at PRC@hcfl.gov or call (813) 272-1157.
So why not turn your next park day into a puppy adventure? The dogs are waiting!
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