Volunteer Karin is one of our many amazing volunteers. She spends most of her time at the AWLA with our dogs, taking them on walks, playing with them in the yard and giving them cuddles and back scratches at every opportunity in between. But some of her volunteer time is spent outside the AWLA grounds, still with our adoptable pups but now taking them on field trips.

While Karin’s time at the shelter helps our dogs get their daily exercise and keep a smile on their face for when they meet their future families, field trips bring dogs to parks, walking trails, Old Town and more to meet new people and pups in addition to enjoying an enriching day. One morning of field trip fun can help reduce stress and keep dogs happy and healthy as they wait to meet their new best friend.

We asked Karin about her recent day out with a dog named Rascal, and here’s what she said:

In a word: JOY

My day with Rascal started with him giving me the biggest smile I’d ever seen when I walked up to his kennel. I knew right then and there it was going to be fun for me, for him and for everyone we met! We somehow managed to get him into his harness and the little “adopt me” vest, despite his happy squirminess and wagging tail. Getting him into my car was interesting. He didn’t seem well-versed in jumping into cars, so I had to give him a little boost. Fearing this lack of experience would translate into Rascal jumping to-and-fro in the car proved to be mistaken. He settled so quickly – like he’d been sitting in the backseat of a car his whole life. Perhaps he immediately felt at home with the black and white cow printed car seat covers, which resembled his own adorable color!

When I parked in Old Town, I got into the back seat to try to take a selfie, thinking it might be my last opportunity to take a picture before he got too excited. Rascal immediately draped himself over my lap and started breathing deeply and contentedly. Oh, break my heart why don’t you! I knew he would make someone very happy and I wanted to go find that person right away!

He loved the walk through the streets of Old Town, enjoying every smell and sight. He was interested in everyone, human and dog alike. I loved watching his reaction to the world unfolding before him.

When we walked into the Torpedo Factory, Rascal was so well behaved. Soon we were mobbed by a group of folks admiring him. At one point, I sat down on the floor and Rascal curled up in my lap. A young couple couldn’t take their eyes off of Rascal (and vice versa). They came up to pet him and asked all sorts of questions.

Suddenly it was time for me to get Rascal back to the shelter, so he would be ready to greet the visitors at noon! We hurried back, but before I left Rascal, I told him to look out for anyone he met on his field trip. They may come to see him soon. Fingers and paws crossed!

Rascal was adopted shortly after his field trip, and we’re sure he’s enjoying new adventures every day with his family. Our volunteers do so much to help our shelter animals stay happy and healthy during their stay with us and to help them meet their families. To learn more about volunteering at the AWLA, click HERE.