PSP Recreation is hosting Dog Walk Day

May 17, 2022 - Defence Stories

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Corporal Russell Miller his spouse Hilary Pollock and their dogs Memphis and Marlo are going to participate in the annual Dog Walk Day.

On Saturday 21 May, PSP Recreation is hosting Dog Walk Day! Join our Facebook event (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) and participate in the event for your chance to win a $500 gift card from Petsmart!

It’s important to be active as a family and make it a priority – the latest ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth shows a bad combination of low physical activity levels and high screen use among Canadian children and youth. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the solution doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive! It all starts with the family, no matter its shape or size.

Finding family time for physical activity is achievable, but it starts with a commitment to make family active time a priority.

On the Saturday of the long weekend in May we encourage the community to go for a one hour walk with their dog. If people don't have dogs, they can still participate by either counting the dogs on your walk and letting us know how many they spotted, taking a walk in the shape of a bone and then posting their walk map, or just putting some water out in front of their residence for thirsty dogs.

“Dog walking is simple – if you have a dog. Make sure you have a well-fitted collar, a leash and a bag to pick up after your dog. Then, quite like hiking, choose where you want to go and enjoy a lovely walk with your best friend,” says Ben Ouellette, Vice President Operations, Personnel Support Programs. “Before COVID we also encouraged participants without dogs to take one of their friends’ or family members’ dog for a walk, volunteer to take a veteran’s dog for a walk or volunteer at their local animal shelter. If your provincial restrictions allow you to volunteer, we strongly encourage it.”

This is not a Base/Wing activity. Anyone can join this fun challenge to increase their physical activity. Grab a leash, whistle up the pup, and go for a walk! Participation is easy! Simply hit “GOING” to the event page. Then take your dog for an hour walk, and post a photo on the page (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).