Walking a dog

This month some of the dogs at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri are having a chance to get a little extra attention outside, and, in the process, perhaps help some people start a healthy habit.

Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound is a program sponsored by the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center and the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. It encourages people to walk an animal from the shelter near the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau.

Jane Wernsman, director of the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, said the center wanted to be creative and help people in this area engage in more exercise, something that we all know is important to losing weight and our overall health. At the same time, the dogs at the shelter benefited from the exercise and attention.

The program continues from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Osage Centre. You can register by calling the health center at 335-7846, and walk-ups also will be accepted. If you're under 18 you must be accompanied by a parent.

This is a creative effort by the center and shelter, and we commend them for the partnership. Walking is good for our health, and the Humane Society dogs benefit from the interaction and affection. Maybe a few of them will find loving homes as a result.

Dog owners soon will have a new place to take their friendly companions. Cape Girardeau city officials announced at Monday's council meeting that they hope a dog park will open in November.

To be located in Kiwanis Park, a one-acre stretch of land will be available with separate water fountains for humans and dogs. Benches, play features, trees and waste containers also are part of the project.

We hope you enjoy some time with your pet this fall.