“Adventure Buddy Day” Offers Inglewood Residents a Day Out With Shelter Dogs

Inglewood and South LA residents looking for a companion to join them on springtime adventures have an opportunity this weekend through Best Friends LA’s “Adventure Buddy Day,” taking place just a short drive from Inglewood.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in West LA, allows community members to spend a day with adoptable shelter dogs, taking them on outings such as park visits, hikes, beach trips, or even a relaxing day at home.

“Not only is this a great way to enjoy some time with a furry friend, but it also gives our dogs a much-needed break from their kennel life,” said the organization in a recent announcement.

For Elizabeth Oreck, manager of community engagement for Best Friends Animal Society, this event highlights the community’s shared responsibility for shelter animals.

“They are not animals that belong to Best Friends, they don’t belong to the shelter. They are as much a part of your community as the human residents are,” said Oreck. “They are a part of our community and we all have a responsibility to them.”

The event offers a unique way for Inglewood and surrounding area residents to enjoy the spring weather while making a difference in a shelter dog’s life. Participants will be provided with food, toys, a bed, and other supplies the animals may need during their adventure.

Dogs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the organization will match participants with dogs based on their comfort level and experience. Those interested should RSVP on the Best Friends website and complete the “canine foster orientation” in advance to assist with the matchmaking process.

“People love it,” said Oreck. “People who do this have such a good time and the dogs come back tired and happy, with their tongues hanging out. You can see how much fun they had… It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit that advocates to end the killing of animals in shelters across the country. Their West LA center is approximately a 20-minute drive from central Inglewood.

For those unable to attend this weekend’s event, Best Friends offers ongoing programs for community members to foster, volunteer, adopt, or simply visit. Oreck, who describes herself as a “full-time foster,” encourages people who want pets in their lives but can’t commit to permanent ownership to consider fostering or volunteering.

“We always have dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. You can meet them, you can just hang out,” said Oreck. “We recommend and encourage everyone who just wants to get a ‘cute fix’ to stop by anytime.”

This event provides an opportunity for Inglewood residents to support animal welfare while enjoying a day out with a four-legged companion. For more information and to sign up, visit the Best Friends Animal Society website.