Get a Personal Trainer To Keep You on Track
Photo: Serg Shalimoff / shutterstock.com
If you need help getting off the couch and out the door, try an in-home personal trainer—the four-legged variety—and foster a dog. Making the decision to become a foster parent not only makes you feel good on the inside, but can help make you look and feel good on the outside too.
Less than joining a gym
When you foster a dog, you pay for its food, treats, toys, kennels and bedding. The initial investment is around $200. Keep in mind that kennels and bedding will be reused for subsequent fosters. Many rescue organizations can help defray costs by providing a kennel and bedding, or you can list a request on NextDoor.com to see if a neighbor has items they are no longer using that they would sell inexpensively or donate to your new cause.
Commitment:
Morning: Set the alarm 30 minutes earlier in the morning and lace up your shoes to take your foster out for a walk, jog or run. Daily exercise helps with weight control, boosts good cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, boosts energy and promotes better sleep.
Evening: Take an evening walk around the neighborhood so the dog can check out all of the scents that were left during the day. You’ll get to visit with neighbors and other dog walkers, spend some healthy time unwinding after your work day, plus get an extra dose of the above health benefits.
Weekends: Hiking and other exploration activities with your new
friend/trainer.
Things to know. Your trainer may:
• Take time to trust people
• Need to be crate/potty trained
• Need an outdoor kennel so they won’t dig up your yard
• Give you lots of kisses
Here is a partial list of places to consider putting in a foster application:
East Bay Animal Rescue & Refuge
Save a Life Today – Adopt Here:
Contra Costa Animal Services, 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez, CA 94553
925-335-8300
Hours: Tues – Sat, 10am-5pm • Wed, 10am-7pm • Sundays: Volunteer Adoption Event, 12-3pm
In addition, many breeds have rescue organizations specific to those dogs’ needs. A quick Internet search will help you find those.
