Playgroup for shelter dogs – rain, snow or shine!

Last summer, the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter in Valley View, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, joined the ranks of truly innovative shelters across the country when it introduced a program called “Dogs Playing for Life”. Shelter deputies and volunteers received training in how to run playgroups for the dogs in their care. The advantages for both humans and animals are many: the dogs get out of their kennels, they get to play with (and learn or review their manners with) other dogs, the deputies, volunteers and potential adopters get to know the dogs better, and last but not least, watching playgroup puts a smile on everyone’s face.

You may think that being in snowy, frigid Cleveland, the shelter would have to shelve playgroup in the winter. Not so! The deputies figured out a way to keep it going by creating a large, safe and fun playspace in the shelter’s garage. Thanks to donations from generous fans, the CCAS playgroup is now well-stocked with engaging play equipment that keeps the dogs thoroughly entertained and exercised throughout the winter.

Check out the fun in these videos: 

https://www.facebook.com/100008266456577/videos/vb.100008266456577/1677204242565108/?type=2&theater¬if_t=video_processed# 

https://www.facebook.com/100008266456577/videos/vb.100008266456577/1677204229231776/?type=2&theater¬if_t=video_processed#

To learn more about the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CuyahogaCountyAnimalShelter/