JAMESTOWN – The Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) has launched a new program that gives area residents an opportunity to experience the energy, compassion, and love of having a dog.
The “Expawditions” Program gives people the opportunity to come to CCHS, find a dog they would like to spend two to four hours with, and take them out for time away from the shelter. The program was launched on April 1.
Sue Bobek (left), Brian Papalia (center), and MJ from the Chautauqua County Humane Society stopped by the WRFA studios recently to talk with Jason Sample (right) share details about the new Expawdition foster program. MJ is one of the many dogs from CCHS taking part in the foster program.
According to CCHS officials, “Expawditions” started as part of a national study called “Maddie’s Nationwide Fostering Study” and is being conducted by Arizona State University and Virginia Tech with the intention of growing the program into a year-round effort.
“They are one of 100 shelters nationwide that are participating to help us learn about the effects of fostering for shelter dogs and the shelters themselves,” explained Dr. Erica Feuerbacher, Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech.
“We are looking for those folks that come to the Strunk Road Adoption Center to see the adoptable dogs only to leave saying, ‘If I only could, but …’ The list of reasons that people are unable to adopt is long — a family member with allergies, lease agreements, time constraints, money — but with Expawditions, we are giving these people the opportunity to take a dog out with no obligation to adopt, no cost to them, just the chance to spend time with a dog and give that dog a break from kennel life,” explained CCHS Executive Director Kellie Roberts.
“Whether it’s a trip for ice cream or a visit to the park or to go home for a while and see what it feels like to sit in front of the TV with someone who just wants to hang out, Expawditions leaves the door open on the enjoyable things you can do together. Expawditions is a dog fix for you and you giving a dog a short vacation from everyday shelter life. The dogs will love you for it,” explained CCHS Community Relations Director Brian Papalia.
Taking part in the program is a snap. Interested people are encouraged to stop by CCHS and meet the dog they want to take out. With a quick orientation and a few signed papers you are on your way to spend time with your new buddy. Thanks to Maddie’s Fund for making Expawditions Possible.
Learn more about Expawditions at SPCAPETS.COM, or by calling CCHS Volunteer/Foster Coordinator Rachel Johnson at 716-665-2209 ext. 210.
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