6 November, 2015

Dogs prepare to take office workers “walkies”

Office workers in central Auckland are being encouraged to get away from their desks and walk off any stress with Auckland Council animal shelter staff and their four-legged friends.

Staff from Auckland Council’s animal shelters and their canine companions will descend on Victoria Park at lunchtime next Friday, November 13, where they will offer free ‘walkies’ to stressed-out office workers.

Councillor Cathy Casey, responsible dog owner and Chair of Auckland’s Community Development and Safety Committee, says the therapeutic benefits of patting, walking and interacting with dogs are well documented internationally.

“There are few things more uplifting than a hug from a canine friend. This pilot programme of human walking could be just what we’re looking for to reduce workplace stress,” she says.

Auckland Council’s Manager of Animal Management, Tracey Moore, says the council operates three animal shelters across the region that help to find forever homes for hundreds of dogs every year.

“This lunchtime ‘walkies’ is their way of giving back to the community and, you never know, some of them may even find the love of their life on the day,” she says.

Posters and flyers are appearing around the CBD in buses and office buildings to remind workers to get out for a break and, on Friday 13th, take a dog for a walk.

All of the dogs taking part on the day will be accompanied by animal shelter minders to protect them from being mobbed by workers keen for a lunchtime companion of the furry, four-legged variety.

‘Walkies’ will be held at Victoria Park in central Auckland, Friday, 13 November, from 11am to 2pm. In the event of rain, the event will take place on Friday, 20 November.

ENDS

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