The Official Website of the City of Indianapolis and Marion County

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 fourth-annual “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” fitness program.

Friendly, adoptable dogs from IACC will be available to the public every Saturday morning in August and September for exercise walks throughout Ellenberger Park. “The popularity of this program has been phenomenal,” said IACC administrator Leslie Fatum.  “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 13^th 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 2005, IACC received 19,812 lost, homeless, abused, unwanted and surrendered animals.

The “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” program will take place every Saturday in August and September from 9 a.m. to noon.  Participants will meet at Ellenberger Park.  Leashes and treats provided…just bring your walking shoes!

There will be no Walk a Hound events August 12 or September 4. All events are weather permitting.

- 30 -