INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Animal Care & Control (IACC), The National Institute for Fitness and Sports (NIFS) and IndyParks join forces in the fight for healthy people and pets in our community with the third-annual "Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound" fitness program.
Friendly, adoptable dogs from IACC will be available to the public every Saturday morning in June for exercise walks throughout White River State Park. "The popularity of this program has been phenomenal," said IACC administrator Jeff Bennett. "We're so pleased to partner with NIFS and IndyParks in this fun, effective way for people to interact with shelter dogs while working to become physically fit."
The "Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound" fitness program was specifically created to address the primary concerns of:
- The growing rate of obesity in Indianapolis: Indianapolis now ranks as the 13th fattest city in the nation, according to Men's Fitness Magazine (www.mensfitness.com). The Centers for Disease Control reported that 62% of area residents exceed a healthy body weight and risk medical problems because of it.
- The severe pet overpopulation problem in Indianapolis: In 2004, IACC received 19,919 lost, homeless, abused, unwanted and surrendered animals.
The "Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound" program will take place every Saturday in June (beginning June 4) from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will meet on the back patio at The National Institute for Fitness and Sports located at 250 University Blvd. Leashes and treats provided…just bring your walking shoes!
Stay tuned for upcoming "Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound" events at Ellenberger Park (July 9 & 16), Garfield Park (August 20 & 27), and back again at NIFS (Saturdays in September).