The Brightside: Shelter Skip Day Gives Dogs A Taste of Home and Hope
GEORGETOWN, Del. — A simple day away can mean everything. A Shelter Skip Day program is giving shelter dogs a taste of home and a little hope. WMDT visited the shelter to hear how the program is changing lives one tail at a time in the newest edition of “The Brightside,” sponsored by Choptank Electric Cooperative.
Brandywine Valley SPCA Community Engagement Coordinator Mary Richardson said: “It’s a really rare opportunity for our dogs in the shelter to get one-on-one time with humans away from other dogs, and it’s really one of the only times some of our dogs get out of the shelter before adoption.”
For animal lovers, Shelter Skip Day gives people the chance to take a dog out on the town. It’s more than just a fun field trip; it’s also helping the pups become more adoptable.
BVSPCA volunteer Susan Marino said she has seen that impact firsthand.
“I have probably taken out maybe 12 or 13 dogs for Skip Day. I’ve adopted one. I would have adopted them all, but my husband isn’t really happy with us adopting more,” Marino said. “Since I’ve been here, starting in 2024, I’ve adopted two.”
With the bright vests the dogs wear, it’s easy to spot a potential forever family. The outings also help the shelter learn more about each dog and what home might be the best fit.
“It gives them exposure to new environments and new people,” Richardson said. “It also tells us a lot about the dog that we can’t learn in the shelter environment. Do they like the beach? Do they chase seagulls? Do they enjoy car rides? Are they terrified of jumping into the seat? Those are things we can advise interested adopters about.”
For dogs used to the noise of the kennel, even a quiet afternoon can be life changing.
“We take them to the beach and parks, pretty much anywhere,” Marino said. “And of course, the last stop is always DQ. They have to get a Pup Cup and a burger after their experience.”
The BVSPCA makes it easy to participate, providing nearly everything volunteers need.
“We provide a lot of the supplies,” Richardson said. “We’ll give you a double leash, a backpack full of treats, a portable water bottle and things like that. What we ask you to bring is a state-issued ID that we can scan when you register for the program. Other than that, you just need some wheels to get out of the parking lot.”
Rae also joined in, meeting a handsome 3-year-old dog named Flash. With his ears in full “Yoda mode,” it’s easy to see why the program also offers sleepovers.
“We’ll send you home with dinner,” Richardson said. “If the dog is on any skin medication or needs anything for the night, we’ll send that home with you. Then the dog comes back first thing the next morning and tells all his doggy friends about the day he had.”
Staff and volunteers said the impact is clear the moment the dog’s return.
“When you see a dog come back from a Shelter Skip Day, you can tell they had the best day of their lives,” Richardson said. “They are exhausted but smiling — literally smiling.”
Do you have any Bright ideas? Email us at newsroom@wmdt.com
