Time for a Walk (and THE Walk)

Don’t feel like going for a walk? Easy fix: get a dog! I’ve said it many times: I am not a fan of exercise, and it wasn’t really a big part of my life until I adopted Cassidy Roo. Now, there’s a minimum of an hour walking per day. I love it and, more importantly, Roo loves it, too! The Mayo Clinic states we should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest you spread this exercise out over the course of a week and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. And, by the way, walking does count as “moderate physical activity,” so it’s a win-win for you and your dog!

I know there are people out there who love going to the gym and can’t wait to go every day. I am NOT one of those people, so if taking my dog for a walk gets me my daily fitness requirements, bring it on! It doesn’t feel like exercise, it’s more like therapy! Our pets are some of the best therapists out there and it’s amazing how well they listen. They don’t judge us for anything we tell them, nor do they tell anyone, because with them, a secret stays put. I don’t know what it is but no matter what, just being out and talking to her while were walking makes everything better. The look she gives me is so precious and it’s like she’s saying, “I got ya, mom, we’re in this together!” It’s also a great bonding time for us and it helps to build her trust, confidence and socialization skills. It’s a chance to get my blood moving before a long day of work and a chance to unwind and decompress after work.

This time of year in Northern Arizona is absolutely spectacular. We’re lucky to have so many dog-friendly trails and hikes, the weather is perfect, and the colors Mother Nature provides are magnificent. It’s the ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors! Speaking of being outdoors and walking, Yavapai Humane Society is having our Walk for the Animals this year after a two-year hiatus. We’re honored to be partnering with Prescott Dog Magazine and their annual Dogtoberfest event for the walk. Save the date: Sunday, Oct. 2 at Watson Lake. The Walk for the Animals will start at 9:30 a.m. prior to Dogtoberfest starting and when you finish your walk, you can join in on all the festivities happening at the event. We’re going to have a 1K and 3K route and it will be a day of fun for humans and dogs alike! What better way to get out there with your dog and enjoy nature and a fun day, all while helping support the animals and Yavapai Humane Society. Walk as an individual or form a team. There will be prizes for the highest fundraisers, best costumes, cutest dog, owner look-alike and more! Plus, there will be great entertainment, food trucks, vendors to visit, freebies, dogs available for adoption and so much more.

We’re really looking forward for this chance to get out and commune with nature, our dogs and each other while supporting YHS. Grab your phone and call your friends and start getting your teams together or just plan to all walk together! Your registration fee includes an awesome Walk for the Animals t-shirt and more goodies. For more information and to register, please visit yavapaihumane.org. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.