Volunteer Dog Walking

I'd heard tell for some time of New York City animal shelters that allow the public to walk their dogs. Despite what a couple shelters say online, the only one I found that actually coordinates volunteer dog walking is the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC), in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

BARC coordinates walks every day, between 9 AM and noon, and 5 and 8 PM. What I didn't know before showing up this morning is that a corporation (Goldman Sachs, was it?) is sending groups of employee volunteers every morning, now through the next couple months. This meant BARC already had plenty of dog walkers, at least in the mornings. It also meant a lot of waiting around for all the corporate volunteers to arrive and organize themselves, before J, the BARC coordinator, distributed dogs. (If I go again soon, I'll go in the evening window.)

Charles, the Chow Chow

I was charged with a handsome young Chow Chow (mix?) named Charles, who, ladies and gentlemen, is available for adoption. We took a nice long walk through Williamsburg, into Greenpoint. We settled a while in McCarren Park, for a good hand "brushing," without the brush. Perhaps I flatter myself, but he seemed to convey enjoyment.

Chows are funny dogs. Their temperament is so aloof that, to me, they aren't dogs. They're more like cows . . . only smarter . . . and cleaner. That said, I've never owned a Chow and don't know the special relationships they have with their masters. They are said to be very loyal. Though I don't know that they are ever demonstrably affectionate.

Chows are an ancient Chinese breed. I find it interesting to think of breeds' temperaments as having been shaped by the temperaments of the human societies that bred them.

Etiquette for Organization Representatives

I returned Charles to J a little over an hour later. J had seemed friendly before, the kind of guy who genuinely loves animals, even if he isn't terribly knowledgeable about them; but he was very short, as in actually rude, when I returned Charles. Had we taken too long a walk? Not long enough? Something else? Nothing to do with me? J whisked Charles away, and I didn't even have a chance to ask.

Perhaps coordinating volunteers is not J's favorite responsibility, but the exercise and socialization certainly benefit the dogs. J should at least thank volunteers, and BARC should at least train him, as is apparently necessary, to do so.

Dr. Felton

By the way, BARC is located adjacent to veterinarian Dr. Elaine Felton. She treated a beloved, geriatric, calico cat of mine, some years ago, and I have a very good opinion of her.