Disco is a 10-year-old Staffordshire Terrier who came into the Nevada Humane Society as a stray. When I met him, he had been at the shelter since the end of January, patiently waiting for his forever family.
On March 21st, I had the privilege of taking Disco out for a day, where I was able to learn how much of a puppy Disco still acts like. He enjoyed the car rides we took together, with his tongue out the window, the hikes we went on and pup cups too.
Dog Dates is a volunteer program where people get to take a shelter dog from the Nevada Humane Society out for the day.
This program can help the shelter dog open up and get away from the anxieties and stressors that come with being trapped in a shelter.
The new settings and scents the dog gets to experience during this time can help them relax and show their true temperament, for anyone interested in a possible adoption.
This includes how the dogs react to certain situations, new people, dogs, distractions out in public, etc., how they do in the car, and their overall personality.
During my time photographing Disco, he got comfortable almost immediately, exploring our car, sticking his head out the window, ever so slowly beginning to show his true colors and how he normally is when not under the stress of a shelter.
We noticed that he began to be more affectionate, climbing into our laps, licking our faces, and even pushing his way into the front seat. Our hearts were torn at the end of the day and having to leave him at the shelter again was difficult.
Disco seemed to have a great time. This being his very first dog date also helped the staff at the NHS fully understand how he is outside his kennel. Dogs at the shelter need your help, so if you are looking to adopt, make sure to pay a visit to 2825 Longley Ln in Reno, NV, where Disco might still be waiting.
Reporting and photos by Litalily Sacluti