Press Releases: Northwest
October 25, 2005
Kaiser Permanente donates 1,000 pedometers to Oregon Humane Society for volunteer dogwalkers
Volunteer dog walker
PORTLAND, Ore. – Giving a dog sheltered at the Oregon Humane Society a chance to go for a walk is good for your heart – in both the emotional and medical senses. To encourage more people to volunteer as dog walkers, Kaiser Permanente is donating 1,000 pedometers (which measure distance walked) to the Oregon Humane Society. The Society is currently recruiting for people to come and exercise their shelter dogs.
“We know that walking every day is one of the best ways to help maintain weight and keep fit,” says John Crawford, MPH, with Kaiser Permanente’s Health Education Department. “Getting a free pedometer will help people see just how much of a health benefit they can get from walking a dog, both in measured miles exercised as well as joyful satisfaction in aiding a grateful shelter animal.”
The Oregon Human Society currently has over 1,000 volunteers who collectively walk up to 72 dogs each day, twice a day. Walkers are needed seven days a week.
“Walkers are the lifeblood of the Oregon Humane Society,” said Kristin Bigler, OHS Volunteer Resources Manager. “Our staff is busy providing for the medical and physical needs of our pets but the volunteers provide that one-on-one tender, loving care.”
To sign up as a dog walker, please contact the Oregon Humane Society at (503) 285-7722 ext. 204.
Kaiser Permanente is America’s leading integrated health plan. Founded in 1945, it serves the health needs of 8.3 million people nationwide, including 470,000 in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Founded in 1868, the Oregon Humane Society is dedicated to helping animals and people. Each year, over 13,000 animals are served by the Oregon Humane Society and 20,000 children are taught humane education.
