In many ways, volunteering at the Pixie Project is like a nerve-wracking blind date. Suddenly you’re handed a leash and a doo-doo bag and your first thought is, “is this dog even going to like me?” This thought is accompanied by all of the usual insecurities: Are you talking too much? Too little? Is he going to like this walk? Does his breath smell? And, most importantly, how fast does this dog want to go?

Last week, Carrie, Bryan and Kinsley volunteered to walk Zelda and McDuff across the Steel Bridge and down by the waterfront. The sky was clear, the sun was shining and the two pups couldn’t be happier. While Zelda was a little bit timid, especially around passing bicyclists, McDuff was always in the lead, anxious and excited to explore. It was great for both dogs to get the chance to stretch their legs, and for the volunteers to get a few sloppy kisses!

Volunteering at the Pixie Project is fun, easy   and rewarding. Walking dogs is a great incentive to get a little exercise and enjoy fantastic views of the city we call home. And if you’re not ready for the responsibility of owning your own pet, volunteering gives you the opportunity to play with a fuzzy creature of your own – at least for an afternoon.

Visit the “Volunteer” page on the Pixie Project website, under the “Support Us” tab, to find out more. Or visit http://www.pixieproject.org/support-us/volunteer.