10 years ago this past June, a dedicated volunteer named Lauren Schmitt (now Lauren Saxe) launched a pilot program at the Vanderburgh Humane Society that would immediately become a beloved staple in the community.
The first Cardio for Canines session was held on June 25th, 2016 with great success just from social media & word of mouth promotion. Every single available dog in the building got to go out on a walk/run. The original press release stated, “VHS hopes to have regular participants and to see new faces throughout the coming months as well” and that the program would continue “for at least the remainder of the summer.”
Fast forward to today, on almost any Saturday of the year, one can find a line all the way through the parking lot of individuals & families waiting to take up to 40, 50, even 60+ dogs to the park for Cardio for Canines.
Over the last ten years, an estimated 8,000+ shelter dogs have gotten to enjoy a Saturday morning stroll at Garvin thanks to community members and volunteers. The program has logged:
750 hours
30+ volunteers over the years
15,000+ human participants
Thousands of squirrels & ducks barked at
Unknown # of goose poops sniffed and maybe eaten.
A few mucky dips in Garvin Park lake
20,000+ adorable photos of pups & people in the park thanks to volunteer & staff photographers
At least 2 other programs at other shelters in the region modeled after CFC's success
“CFC,” as it is affectionately known by staff & volunteers, is exclusively volunteer-run. Many of the core group of CFC volunteers have been helping since that very first walk ten years ago. Now approximately 15-20 volunteers rotate weekends to make sure enough hands are available to sign dogs out and get them leashed & harnessed for their walks.
“Words could never adequately express how much this program means to our volunteers, staff, participants, and most importantly to the dogs,” says Amanda Coburn, VHS Director of Advancement. “It’s incredible to think back on Lauren’s original vision, how dedicated our CFC volunteers still are, and how far the entire program has come.”
Since many college students and campus groups participate in CFC on a regular basis, program volunteers decided to delay their “10th Birthday Pawty” until the fall when classes resumed. Join us on Saturday, October 17th at 8 am at the back entrance of the Vanderburgh Humane Society to celebrate this amazing milestone! The public is welcome to bring donations of canned dog food and paper towels are recommended.