North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital’s “Walk-with-a-Doc” program is joining thousands of people and their pets around the world for the first ever, “World’s Largest Pet Walk” on Saturday, September 29.
The World’s Largest Pet Walk encourages everyone to enjoy the health benefits of being active with pets. Community members and their pets are welcome to join North Hawai’i Community Hospital’s pet therapy dogs on a one-hour walk starting at Pukalani Stables at 8 am, rain or shine. This first ever pet walk of its kind was created by Pet Partners, the nation’s leading organization registering therapy animals.
“The Walk-with-a-Doc program also encourages physical activity in people of all ages, and combining the two activities together was a natural,” said Dr. Natalie Kehau Kong, physician sponsor of North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital’s Walk-with-a-Doc program. “The human-animal bond is a very real connection that can mentally and physically positively impact our well-being, with pets encouraging us to get out and be more active than we might otherwise be.”
“We encourage all members of the community to join us in support of World’s Largest Pet Walk,” said Julia Ramos, North Hawaii Community Hospital volunteer coordinator and fund development manager. “Bring your pet and if you don’t have one, we have therapy animals you can walk with. Anyone interested in becoming a pet therapy team can learn more at petpartners.org or visit the hospital’s website at www.nhch.com (Careers/Volunteer).”
Pets must be well behaved and on leashes. No sign up is required. For questions, please call 881-4421.
