I’ve always wanted a dog, but growing up, our family couldn’t get one because my dad was allergic to them. And while my husband and I have discussed adopting a furry friend of our own, we haven’t quite made the commitment because of our small space and the amount we travel every year.
Enter the Doggy Day Trip program, where people can sign up to share an adventure with a shelter dog for a day. Hosted by the Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Oahu SPCA), participants can take the pup on a hike, visit a dog-friendly park, or bring them home to cuddle and watch a movie on the couch.
.jpg)
Going on a walk with our doggy for the day.
“It brings our shelter pets, and the people who take them out, so much joy,” says Kristen Hudson, director of marketing and development at Oahu SPCA. “Whatever you choose to do allows our shelter pets to get out of the kennel for the day while you enjoy their love and companionship.”
Applying for a Doggy Day Trip is simple. We filled out the online application form, and the adoptions and volunteer manager emailed us the next day to confirm a time. We were all set for the upcoming weekend!
Gearing up for adventure
We drove to the shelter in Wahiawa on a sunny Saturday morning. The building is tucked away in a neighborhood along Olive Avenue. When we arrived, we knocked on the door to let them know we were outside. Shelter staff gave us some paperwork to fill out, as well as a backpack filled with the day’s necessities like a water bottle, towel, poop bags, and treats.
And then we met our shelter pup for the day. Mars greeted us with the energy of a puppy. The boxer mix happily licked us, his tail wagging the whole time. I immediately fell in love with his sweet face and personality. After he jumped into our car, he quietly settled in the back seat, looking curiously outside the window as we drove to the North Shore.
Chilling in the backseat.
Mars rover
Once we parked in Haleiwa, Mars knew it was time to explore! He couldn’t wait to sniff all the bushes, trees, and plants. He also loved meeting new people and was quite popular. His “adopt me” bandana and bright yellow leash became conversation starters: We shared that he was up for adoption at the Oahu SPCA, and others told us about their experiences with doggy field trips on Neighbor Islands.
“Going out gives dogs a break from the stress of shelter life and offers mental and physical stimulation, which is good for their overall health and well-being,” says Hudson. “It also helps them get ready for adoption. Meeting and spending the day with a variety of people is a great socialization tool, and it often helps them come out of their shell.”
Ready to explore Haleiwa.
Since the program launched last year, Doggy Day Trips have helped lead to 10 adoptions and several foster home placements.
Paw-sitive impact
While Mars enjoyed a day of exercise and socialization, we also benefited from the day trip. It brightened our day being around him and seeing him so happy to be outside. His joy brought us joy, and I lost count of the number of times I said to my husband, “I wish we could adopt him.”
Taking a break in the shade.
“We’ve had vacationers return home to the Mainland and send toys or special treats to their new friend at the shelter,” says Hudson. “We’ve been told it was the best part of someone’s vacation. Someone even proposed at the end of a Doggy Day Trip!”
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the health benefits humans can experience from having a pet include protecting heart health, slowing cognitive decline, improving stress management, and reducing loneliness.
On the drive back to the Oahu SPCA, Mars took a nap. His sweet face looked peaceful after a day of meeting new people, exploring, and cuddling. Shelter staff can see the difference in the dogs when they return.
“They’re often better behaved and more relaxed as a result of their day out getting loved on and spoiled,” says Hudson. “Many shy dogs have gone out afraid to jump into someone’s car. But they come back tail wagging, tongue out, and happy-go-lucky.”
A happy pup.
Drop-off was quick. We filled out a Doggy Day Trip report card, sharing highlights from the day and how Mars interacted with others. Then it was time to say goodbye to our new furry friend as he rejoined his friends inside the Oahu SPCA.
“Shelter life is tough for dogs; they get bored, and there’s a lack of stimulation and exercise. We try our hardest to give them the absolute best care possible, but at the end of the day, they’re still at a shelter and not in a loving home,” says Hudson. “So, Doggy Day Trips can brighten their days while they wait for their perfect family.”
At the time of this publication, Mars is still available for adoption.
If you’d like to take a dog out for a day, visit the Oahu SPCA’s website. A minimum $25 donation is required, and the money goes toward running the program and caring for all shelter pets.
Four-legged friends
Read more heartwarming stories of the special bond between pets and their humans:
