Buckhead's recent Dog for a Day outing brought together 28 volunteers, (22 Rotarians and guests plus six girls from Scouting America), and seven shelter dogs (with three extra pups joining the fun) for a 2½-mile stroll. It was truly a walk in the park, filled with fresh air, wagging tails, and lots of laughs. The dogs enjoyed a well-deserved break from the shelter and the chance to explore new sights and smells.

Volunteers gathered for donuts and coffee, along with plenty of treats for our furry friends, as we spent the morning strengthening friendships and building community. Members, their significant others, youth, and parents all came together in service, promoting goodwill while enjoying building fellowship. The Scouting America troop girls also earned merit badge credit through their participation, making the experience even more meaningful. It was a paw-some time for people and pups alike!

Based in Atlanta and the largest animal welfare organization in Georgia, LifeLine Animal Project’s mission is to end the shelter euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals. They look at the root causes of animal homelessness and work with the community to provide accessible pet care. Their goal is to keep people and pets together. President Shelley Hammell chose this as her three-year signature project due to the importance animals play in people’s lives and stated, “When we feed pets, we feed people and their families.” This is important, with 95% of pet owners who think of their pets as part of their family, and with 58% of families who experience “pet poverty” skipping meals to afford food and medical care for their pets.