After more than a decade caring for homeless, furry, four-legged creatures, The Haven is turning its attention to electronic creatures found on the streets of Fairhope, and to helping the people searching for them.
For instance, a player might need to walk five miles to hatch a rare Pokémon egg, but as a professional adult, want to avoid being spotted playing Pokémon. The Haven has the perfect disguise in the form of a shelter dog to accompany him on his walk.
Maybe a mom is concerned about the amount of time her son or daughter spends playing the game. Giving a shelter pet as little as 30-minute walk teaches responsibility, and makes a huge difference in the life of a dog that might …
otherwise be confined to a cage all day.
“We have a significant need for responsible and reliable dog walkers. Not only do they provide the animals with exercise, they help to socialize and train them through an interaction as simple as a walk. Of course, while you’re walking our shelter pups, you’re likely to run across a Pidgey or Squirtle or two,” said Michael Graham, executive director of The Haven.
Graham said dog walking could even improve your game, and he suggested forming teams. “Trainers who work together and travel in a pack move up more quickly in the game, so why not add a four-legged pack member for a walk?”
As with any game, dog walking comes with its own set of rules. Prospective dog walkers are asked to complete a volunteer application and attend a one-hour new volunteer orientation and dog-walking orientation. Walkers sign up for shifts and commit no less than 30 minutes and no more than two hours a week. To learn more, contact The Haven at 251-929-7402.