TORRINGTON – Practice for the Torrington High School cross-country team was a different experience for athletes on Tuesday, October 14.
Harriers met at the Waggin’ Tails Shelter in Torrington as the sun began to set on a beautiful fall afternoon for a unique bonding exercise with the dogs housed at the facility.
The runners broke off into pairs or groups to take the dogs on quick runs up and down the quiet dirt road leading to the shelter.
The event was a win-win for both people and dogs.
Dogs received quality time with young people, along with exercise outside of their kennels. There were six dogs at the shelter on Tuesday and four were taken on “four good runs” by the cross-country athletes, said Teri Shinost, director of the Waggin’ Tails Shelter and Torrington’s animal control officer.
The event was a great opportunity for the dogs to socialize with people and meet potential adopters, Schinost added. The shelter also received valuable feedback on how each dog behaved on a leash while out on the run.
There were six dogs at the shelter on Tuesday, but two were “a little apprehensive” with all the sudden attention and excitement, Shinost noted.
The athletes on the cross-country team benefited as well from the workout. In addition to spending time with dogs, the run was a good way for the team to “taper and try something different” as harriers prepare for the postseason, coach Kelsey Grant said.
The conference cross-country meet took place in Newcastle on Thursday with the Wyoming State Cross-Country Championships the following Saturday. The postseason can be hectic and nerve-wracking at times. Dogs are a great way to decompress while still getting a few miles in.
Coach Grant approached Shinost with the idea to combine cross-country practice with running dogs after seeing a post on social media seeking help and volunteers at the animal shelter.
Waggin Tails is currently at maximum capacity for both dogs and cats, Shinost said. Space is at a premium because Schainost has to keep several kennels open for arriving strays or dogs from the vet technician program at Eastern Wyoming College.
Adoption costs approximately $150 for male dogs and $175 for females. The fees cover vaccinations, spay and neuter processes and installation of a microchip, Shinost explained. These procedures take place before the dogs or cats are picked up by their new families.
The adoption process involves an application and meetings between people and animals to ensure the adoption is a good fit, Schainost said.
“We want the adoption to be as successful as possible,” Schainost added.
Folks interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to check out a listing of animals at Waggin’ Tails posted on the website Wtshelter.petfinder.com. People can also call the shelter at 307-532-5373 or come to the shelter during open hours.
“If you’re in the market for an animal, stop by,” Shinost remarked.
