On a fun note, our county has an amazing community service opportunity. It's called a "sniff around". The animal shelter lets you check out a dog for a few hours, they give you a little backpack for the dog with the leash, snacks, toys, water, and bags to pick up waste.
It is a fantastic way for the dogs to socialize and get some love, and for people who can't keep a dog to get that companionship. They are adopting out more dogs than ever now because of the program exposing these sweet dogs to people, which is better than the alternative!! They have someone training the dogs in 5 simple commands, so they are really well behaved. It is wonderful for us women who walk trails to be able to have a keen eye with us and feel safer. Not just with other hikers, but other animals like bears and cougars. Yes, there are cougars here!
It is also a great option for first responders or those who work such long hours or odd shifts, to be able to participate. Fire, police, ER and hospital staff, EMT's, etc.
So how do you get something like this started where you live?
I would begin by talking to the director of your animal shelter. Of course the first obstacle they will throw out is lack of money and resources. But if you offer to help, with fundraising and getting people involved and interested, they will soften. Because they really don't want to put the dogs down.
Perhaps start circulating a sign up roster, with columns for people to check ✔ off their level of interest such as:
I would donate for supplies
I would donate training
I would definitely check out a dog (1x per month, 2x per month, less/more)
I would help with a benefit event
Be sure collect emails and cell phone numbers so you can create updates that can be shared.
A great opening event could be a BBQ at a park, with family games, etc, and have the shelter personnel and a couple of trainers bring the dogs and talk about the program. Or you could go more upscale if that's your lane.
Buy me a tasty beverage, a pizza or a burger, and let's discuss your thoughts and ideas!