Why Barkside Bay Walkers Love Giving Back

How our Sponsor a Walk program is helping Erie’s shelter dogs get the love (and walks!) they deserve.

At Barkside Bay, we believe every dog deserves to feel seen, loved, and cared for—whether they’ve already found their forever family or are still waiting for one.

That’s why we created our Sponsor a Walk program in partnership with the Erie Humane Society—a project that brings together the power of our team, the generosity of the community, and the joy of giving dogs in need the attention and exercise they crave.

Because walks aren’t just about stretching legs, they’re about healing hearts, building trust, and helping shelter dogs feel like someone’s dog… even before they find their person.

🦴 What Is the Sponsor a Walk Program?

Our Sponsor a Walk program allows Barkside Bay to provide a one-hour Trail Exploration to dogs currently living at the Erie Humane Society. These pups are often in between chapters. They are either waiting for homes, learning to trust again, or decompressing from the stress of shelter life.

Every walk gives them:

• Much-needed physical exercise

• Mental stimulation from exploring new environments

• One-on-one human connection that reminds them they’re not alone

And it gives our walkers a chance to use their skills, experience, and hearts to give back in a way that’s truly meaningful.

🐕 Why Shelter Dogs Need More Than a Kennel Stretch

Dogs in shelters are incredibly resilient, but life in a kennel isn’t easy. The noise, the unpredictability, the lack of consistent individual time… it can take a toll.

That’s where Trail Explorations make a real difference. Getting out of the shelter for even just the hour, can lower a dog’s stress levels, help improve behavior, and actually make them more adoptable. It gives them a chance to sniff, decompress, and remember what it’s like to just be a dog.

Many of the dogs we walk through this program are ones who’ve been waiting longer than others or who just need a little extra TLC (and we’re proud to show up for them!).

💛 A Walker’s Perspective: Why We Love This Work

Our team often says the shelter walks are some of the most rewarding visits of all.

We get to see shy dogs take brave steps. High-energy pups learn how to relax. Formerly shut-down souls perk up at the sound of a leash clip.

We’ve had dogs who didn’t know how to walk on leash at all become confident adventurers.

We’ve seen pups with sad eyes light up after a game of fetch or a gentle stroll through the grass.

For many of our walkers, it’s a reminder of why we started this work in the first place—to give dogs the care they deserve, no matter their past.

🌟 How You Can Support the Program

This program is made possible through community members JUST LIKE YOU! If you love what we’re doing and want to help us continue providing these walks, here’s how:

• Sponsor a Walk directly on our website here. You can choose a one-time purchase or set up on a recurring monthly schedule to impact a dog each month.

• Spread the word! Share our blog posts or social media updates about the program.

• Consider adopting or fostering. You never know, one of the dogs we walk might be your perfect match and there are plenty of dogs at the Erie Humane Society who would thrive in a home setting.

• Keep supporting Barkside Bay and the Erie Humane Society! Every service you book helps us continue to invest in causes we care deeply about.

🐶 Every Dog Deserves Their Walk—and Their Chance

We don’t know what every shelter dog has been through. But we do know what they deserve: time, patience, kindness, and a chance to feel like someone’s whole world.

Until they find that person, we’re honored to step in and be their walking buddy, their moment of peace, and their reminder that good things are coming.

Thank you for being part of a community that cares on every leash, in every home, and beyond.