Natalie's Everyday Heroes: MADACC volunteers take dogs out on the town for Fido Field Trips

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- There's been a lot of reporting this year about animal shelters being pushed to their limits. They're taking in a lot of animals.

It's a stressful environment that can make it hard for dogs to get noticed.

So, a group of volunteers at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, or MADACC, started taking them out of the shelter to help the dogs relax and maybe find a forever home. They call them Fido Field Trips.

Trying new things isn't always easy.

"Come on! Good girl," said Emily Kinsman.

And 2-year-old Breezy isn't sure about this.

"Gotta check things out," Kinsman reassured her. 

All the toys and treats in the world couldn't coax her into the pool at Aqua Therapups in Brookfield.

Owner Rebecca Pease did finally lift in the reluctant doggy-paddler.

"Was it her favorite thing? It wasn't, but she could do it," Pease said. " Breezy was a little timid upon entry, but she can swim."

Once in the water, she did give it a try.

"That's fair. It's not everyone's cup of tea, Kinsman said with a laugh as Breezy jumped out and shook off the water.

And that's what Kinsman is trying to find out -- what does Breezy like and what's her personality? 

"I would say most dogs are fairly different in the shelter than they are here. It's just a pretty high stress environment," she explained.

Their second stop of the day gave Breezy a chance to run off some of that stress.

And discover something she likes.

"It's kind of like a video game. Keep-away from the dog," said Evaristo Rodriguez, holding onto a controller.

Rodriguez owns Speed Weenies - a lure course for dogs in Bay View.

"She was flying around pretty much as soon as the lure started moving. She was after it full throttle," he said.

Breezy is up for adoption at MADACC.

Kinsman- a MADACC volunteer- is taking Breezy around town for this Fido Field Trip.

"Just to get them out, get them a little bit of enrichment, and get them noticed," she said.

She's getting pictures and video to post about Breezy on social media.

And this doggy date could lead to something more serious.

"A lot of these trips get people to adopt dogs, and it's really proven to be successful," she said.

That's why business owners are happy to help.

"We get to know them a little bit better," said Pease. "We can spread the word about each individual dog."

Sometimes it pays to dip your toe in the pool.

Or run at life full speed.

Even taking a simple walk.

Kinsman is happy to be along for the ride. 

"It just makes me feel good," she said of her date. "Being able to see them go to homes where they can live out the rest of their days in comfort, that's awesome, too."

Kinsman reports that Breezy is currently in a foster home. She also said Fido Field Trips don't have to go anywhere special. It's all about the volunteers putting the dogs in the best position to be adopted. If you're interested in volunteering or adopting, click here for more information.

If you'd like to nominate an everyday hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].