One of my favorite things to do when I’m volunteering at North Central is to takes dogs from the dog hospital out into the yard to play, snuggle, or just get some fresh air and sunshine. Sometimes when I’m off on a Friday, I like to go to the shelter in the morning because I know it won’t be too busy and the yard is probably available. Typically on the weekend the yard is occupied for meet and greets, hopefully resulting in adoptions.

Don’t worry, I always check with medical staff to make sure each dog is well enough and I am told of any restrictions they may have. I always assure them that we won’t be running around or doing anything exhausting. We usually walk around the yard, listen to music, and snuggle until someone else needs the yard. I know that a break from the kennel is a good thing for a dog, and it’s equally good for me. There’s nothing better than spending time with a dog in the yard.

The dog in these pictures is Angel, who I met in the dog hospital earlier this year (he’s out of the shelter now). He was at the shelter on a 30 day hold while his owner was hospitalized. He was very affectionate and playful, as shown by him always wanting to be close (he’d usually sit on me) and having a lot of fun with stuffed toys while he was in the hospital.