Beaufort County animal-shelter volunteers test new ‘Running Partner’ program

Beaufort County — Lindsay said she signed up to be an early participant in Beaufort County Animal Services’ new Running Partner program because she wanted to give back and help shelter dogs get exercise.

"My dogs get plenty of activity, but I know a lot of dogs do not," Lindsay said. She told the program hosts she has two dogs, one of them a rescue, and lives in the neighborhood next to the shelter.

The program pairs volunteers with shelter dogs for walks and jogs during a broad weekday window the flyer lists as 9 to 4. Lindsay said that schedule made participating easy for her and that she plans to volunteer roughly once a week, adjusting for her schedule.

"There's probably so many dogs that would just love a jog, love a walk, something," she said, characterizing her motivation to help more active dogs get exercise.

Lindsay said she first learned about the program from a post on her neighborhood Facebook page and plans to encourage neighbors and friends to join when she picks up her daughter from the bus. The host suggested program hours might expand to include weekends as participation grows.

The interview concluded with the host thanking Lindsay for taking part and noting excitement to see her run with her first shelter pup.