NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - The Nacogdoches Animal Shelter has teamed up with Best Friends Animal Society to introduce the “Adventure Buddy” dog day out program. Community members can visit the shelter with an ID, take a dog for a day, and return the dog by 5 p.m. The shelter supplies all necessary items for the outing, and participants can provide feedback about the dog afterwards.
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From February to July, shelter staff and new rescue coordinator Amanda Sowell collaborated with PAWS4NAC to increase the save rate above 40%. Sowell stated, “Basically we’re trying to do more than we have ever before. That’s increasing the volume of animals we can assist.” She noted significant improvements in community engagement and positive placements for animals since May.
This program is particularly beneficial for individuals, including college students, who wish to interact with animals but are not in a position to adopt or foster. Sowell highlighted that it provides an opportunity for participation without the long-term commitment of fostering or adopting.
Andrea Sparks, the shelter’s animal service manager, and Sophia Proler, director of the South Central region for Best Friends Animal Society, emphasized that dogs participating in the Adventure Buddy program are five times more likely to be adopted. Proler remarked, “Even if you can’t adopt or long-term foster, taking an adventure buddy out could mean that that dog gets adopted and you were a part of saving that dog’s life.”
Sparks expressed the shelter’s commitment to showing the community they care about the animals, stating, “These pets really deserve the best homes we can provide for them, and an extra edge or an extra encouragement to get them adopted, we will.”
Proler voiced hope that the program will continue, stating, “The Nacogdoches Animal Shelter loves their animals so much, and this community is so engaged with their shelter.” There are still spots available for the Adventure Buddy program, with more dog day out events planned.