Written by Ali Lemmons

Becky Grose, a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, did not know her day would be filled with walks, car rides, and belly rubs—that is, until she found herself checking out a dog named Blue at the McKamey Animal Center.

Blue is just one of more than 100 dogs at the McKamey Animal Center patiently waiting for their forever home. The shelter is so overcrowded that they are currently operating over their maximum capacity, according to the center’s website.

While they wait, dogs can quickly become stressed and overwhelmed in the crowded shelters. Luckily, the staff at McKamey provide a great solution—the Trailblazer program.

The Trailblazer program allows members of the nearby community to check out a shelter dog for a day of fun. Participants are encouraged to take the dog on hikes, to pet-friendly restaurants downtown, or even back to their house.

“With this program, dogs are able to get noticed in public places and are able to gain social skills,” said Grose. “They also get extra love and exercise they may be lacking.”

Grose participated in the program for the first time in the spring of 2023. She took 6-year-old Blue on walks around UTC’s campus and gave him time to socialize with people nearby.

“The dogs are sitting in the kennels most of the day. Animals will get at least one to two times a day to be outside, but that’s still nowhere near enough,” said Savannah Shoemaker, the shelter’s digital marketing coordinator. “Trailblazers is really nice because it gives them an extended period away.”

Time outside of the shelter can help the dogs destress while also giving them exposure in the community, according to Shoemaker.

“Several times we’ve had dogs go out, meet somebody in the community, and that’s ended up resulting in their adoption,” said Shoemaker.

Community members can check out a dog anytime during the shelter’s operating hours. The shelter asks that each participant keep their dog safe, only take them to pet-friendly areas, and have them turned in an hour before closing time.

Most volunteers range from late teens to early 40s and even families, but many of the participants are college students, said Shoemaker.

“Not only is it beneficial for the animal, but it’s beneficial for you,” said Grose. “It’s a great way to exercise and boost your mood.”

The program has such a positive impact on the dogs that it can dramatically change their disposition. When the staff notices a dog that is becoming too stressed, they will send them out with the program, according to Shoemaker.

“When they get two or three hours to go out, they come back and they’re so bouncy and they’re so excited,” said Shoemaker. “They sleep well and their stress levels decrease dramatically, even just within those few hours. It’s very noticeable.”

Besides just the impact on the dogs, the Trailblazer program has also strengthened the animal center’s relationship with the community, according to Shoemaker.

“A lot of people really only come to the shelter when they’re adopting or they’re claiming a lost dog, but programs like trailblazers get community members more involved in the work that we’re doing,” said Shoemaker. “So, we’re able to connect with a lot more people than we otherwise wouldn’t connect had we not had a program like this.” 

Community members interested in the Trailblazer program can simply fill out the application form on McKamey’s website to participate. Once the form is submitted, they can head to the shelter and the staff will match them with a dog.

“If someone wants to get involved, I say go for it,” said Grose. “The application is short and sweet, and it’s worth seeing the dogs happy as well as others who get to socialize with them.”

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