Adventures abound for adoptable dogs

Sweet Acacia is a young shepherd mix whose smile lights up the room. She adores meeting new friends (especially when they have treats to share). And one of her favorite activities in the world is a walk around town. On adventure buddy day, there was someone just as excited as Acacia, who arrived extra early to take a walk with her.

That recent Saturday was particularly special for the pups at the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles: Every single dog on-site — 29 in total — went out with an eager volunteer for a special outing (sometimes more than one). People are always welcome to come to Best Friends locations to meet and take dogs for outings, but this was one day when the team in Los Angeles made it their goal for every dog in their care to go out on the town. Not only do the dogs get to bask in all the fun and attention, but the outings can also introduce them to potential adopters.

Best Friends Animal Society places thousands of pets in new homes each year as one way to support the goal for all shelters across the country to reach no-kill. Programs like adventure buddy help save lives by bringing out each pet’s unique personality and helping to match them with a new home.

Through the adventure buddy program, a staff person matches volunteers with a dog for the day who fits their vibe, and all the supplies they need for their outing are provided. Any dog-friendly area — trail, open market, cafe, beach — is fair game to have an adventure. If people are interested in going on a hike, they’re matched with an active pup. And if they prefer a relaxing day in, they’re set up with a cuddly canine couch potato. There’s even the option to extend the day into an overnight sleepover to keep the fun going.

“Whether people are looking for a fun time outdoors or some cozy in-home time, we'll match them with the right dog,” says Lauren McAlpin, who is part of the Best Friends team in L.A.

[Adventurous dog helps heal adopter’s broken heart]

No prior experience is necessary for volunteers — just the desire to hang out with a pup. “The program is designed for people who may be limited on time or space at home but would still like to make an impact,” Lauren says.

A fun excursion makes it an extra special day for each dog. They get to socialize and have new experiences, and from that the team gets to know them better, which helps to match them with a new home. There’s also the chance that their adventure turns extra magical if they meet someone who falls in love and decides to adopt them.

The excitement bubbled over on the big day at the pet adoption center in L.A. for both humans and canines alike as they headed out for a day full of zoomies, snuggles, wags, scratches, and more.

Olive the pug — who has since landed a home of her own — was all smiles as she prepared to go for a walk with a volunteer. Likewise, when Moo Moo met her human adventure buddies, her whole back side was wagging right with her tail. After some “awws” at her adorably squishy body and blocky head, Moo Moo’s new friends took her for a slow day of relaxation and meandering around town. And she loved every second of it.

Meanwhile, Wonderboy, an affectionate, mellow dog who loves meeting new people, got to spend the day at one of his favorite places in the whole world: the beach. It was sheer bliss as he hung out on the sand, soaking up the sun, sights, and smells.

Back at the center, The Giving (named after the book, The Giving Tree) started off a little shy around his new friends. But very quickly, the young pup with the sunshine yellow fur realized how much fun they could have together. And soon, he was in their laps giving them hugs and chasing after balls on their exciting day out.

And then there was Floral, a sweet, silvery-gray dog who adores cuddling. She romped around a yard to her heart’s content with her adventure buddies and worked up quite an appetite. After a snack, she did a few more zoomies inside before settling in for some scratches and a nap.

As for Acacia, she was the first lucky pup out the door and enjoyed a morning hike with the volunteer who was so excited to spend time with her. Then, she got to go on a second excursion later in the day to hang out with a little girl and her family.

Like her canine friends, she returned to the center content and tuckered out, ready to snore the night away. The cherry on top? Since then, she’s landed a home of her own where she can have adventures every day with her very best buddy.

[Life of adventure for a dog who couldn’t be left behind]

The next adventure buddy day in Los Angeles will be Saturday, August 23, in celebration of National Dog Day. But it’s a program available year-round in various forms at Best Friends locations around the country. People are always welcome to come in to spend the day with a pup.

"The adventure buddy program gives dogs in Los Angeles love, care, and a taste of home until they are adopted — helping shy animals come out of their shell and allowing us to learn more about these pets," Lauren says.

It’s all about preparing them for their next adventure: a home of their own.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.