Wolfpack Meets the Underdogs
On a rainy morning in mid-September, ATCR headed to the Maryland SPCA with 20 enthusiastic volunteers for a morning dedicated to helping shelter dogs get the exercise and enrichment they deserve.
We kicked off our service day with an overview of the shelter from Katie Haines, Assistant Director of Community Care & Advocacy at the Maryland SPCA. We learned that the Maryland SPCA does not receive operating funds from the government or the ASPCA. Instead, the organization relies on private donations, foundation grants, adoption fees, veterinary services, and other program revenue to support its mission. Volunteers play a critical role in caring for the animals, making opportunities like this especially meaningful.
While most dogs at the shelter are walked three to five times each day, staffing and volunteer limitations can make it difficult for them to receive the extended exercise and outdoor experiences they would enjoy in a home environment. That's where Tribe came in.
Our volunteers were able to take 15 shelter dogs out for runs around Roosevelt Park, giving them a chance to burn off energy, explore, and simply enjoy being outside. Judging by the post-run naps that followed, the pups certainly appreciated it! The experience was just as rewarding for our members as it was for the dogs. Participants included pet owners, foster parents, experienced shelter volunteers, and individuals with little pet experience but huge hearts and a willingness to help.
Not everyone spent the morning running, though. Several volunteers supported the Maryland SPCA's Kibble Connection program by helping bag pet food for distribution. Kibble Connection provides pet food assistance to families in need, helping keep pets in their homes and out of shelters.
As one of the volunteers working with Kibble Connection, I can confidently say it was just as enjoyable as running with the dogs. Alongside fellow Tribe members Keegan and Caroline, I had the opportunity to learn more about the shelter from Katie Flory, Community Care & Advocacy Director, while preparing food donations. We also had front-row seats to watch our runners head out with their four-legged partners, so we didn't miss out on any of the excitement or cuteness.
After our visit, we shared highlights from the day on social media, and the response was incredible. The enthusiasm and engagement exceeded our expectations and helped shine a spotlight on some truly deserving shelter animals. One of our goals was to increase visibility for the dogs while also providing shelter staff with insight into each dog's activity level, temperament, and behavior outside the shelter environment. This information can be incredibly valuable when matching dogs with prospective adopters.
We're thrilled that we were able to support the Maryland SPCA in multiple ways while creating a memorable experience for our members. The excitement surrounding this event has us looking forward to the next opportunity to partner together.
Keep an eye on the ATCR Instagram page for details about our next Maryland SPCA × ATCR event. We can't wait to see you there!
