Picture this: a sunny day, a leash in hand, and an eager shelter dog by your side.

Through the Kitsap Humane Society’s “Barks and Rec” program, you and a canine companion can embark on a day of adventure. Whether it’s hiking through verdant forests, strolling along the beach or simply grabbing a puppuccino at a local café, the program offers dogs a rescue from the stress of the shelter while giving the community an opportunity to bond with the adoptable animals.

On Oct.22, Chris Russell, Community Resource and Behavioral manager at the humane society, launched this initiative, providing dogs with a chance to experience new surroundings and socialize in ways that a kennel can’t offer. “Getting out of the shelter means they are getting out of a space where it’s inherently a high-stress environment for them,” Russell said. “It’s not natural for dogs to be in a building surrounded by forty other dogs, so getting out they are able to experience new scenery, smells and interactions. When they return, you can tell they’re exhausted in the best way.”

One dog, Legend, a long-term shelter resident, has seen noticeable progress in his behavior with the outings. Known for being high-arousal and mouthy on walks, Legend has worked closely with the behavioral team to improve his leash skills. Now, after multiple outings with different community members, Russell said that all have been “very impressed with his manners,” proving that the work is making a difference.

“I was so excited to hear that KHS has this amazing program. It was so quick and easy to pick up and take a dog out for the day,” volunteer Sandra Knivila-Ritchie said. “Spending the day with Legend, taking him on a long walk at Port Gamble, getting him a pup cup, and just being with this sweet pup was awesome.”

The program is open to any dog available for adoption, and the outings aren’t limited to extensive hikes. As Russell emphasizes, “It can be as simple as loading them up, taking them to get a pup cup, and bringing them back.”

Each outing provides a tailored experience for the person and dog, ensuring comfort and safety. “Whenever anyone checks a dog out, we have them do a short walk on the campus with someone from the behavioral team to ensure both the human and the dog are comfortable,” Russell said. “If anything goes awry, we’re just a phone call away to offer support.”

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with people eager to participate in the program and provide a break for the shelter animals. Volunteer Maggie Turner said she volunteers up to three times a week. “Taking shelter dogs out for a little doggy date are the highlights of my week,” she said. ”While it only takes a few hours out of your day, you really make their whole entire day by getting out and having an adventure. All the snuggles and the love dogs give makes it so much more worth it and my heart so happy.”

One experienced dog handler has been regularly taking dogs out for day trips. Having recently lost her own reactive dog, she’s not ready to adopt yet, but finds joy in supporting dogs in need. “It’s been absolutely amazing,” Russell said, noting how unexpected and uplifting it has been to see the community’s engagement.

In addition to benefiting the dogs, “Barks and Rec” is a valuable tool for potential adopters who may be on the fence about bringing a new dog home. Russell recalled one woman who wasn’t initially interested in adopting but after spending time with a dog she began considering it. “If people are finding that a relationship has developed that they didn’t anticipate, that’s a bonus. We’d be happy to facilitate that adoption.”

Though the program is still in its early stages, Russell hopes it will grow. She envisions a future where “Barks and Recs” is a common model in shelters across the country, helping to reshape public perception of shelter dogs.

“By re-expanding the world that they live in, we hope to see the benefits in terms of their quality of life and behavior,” Russell said. “When an adoption does happen, we hope these experiences will help support them in their transition to a forever home.”

For details call 360-692-6977.

A KHS dog enjoys a swim in a local lake.