WAG & WALK DOG HIKE: Season Five is Here!

WAG & WALK DOG ADOPTION HIKE

A past Wag & Walk participant works the crowds

Hiking canines from the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Mesa shelter are back for Season 5 of Wag & Walk Dog Adoption Hikes with tails wagging, sky-high energy and a special, people-pleasing bonus.

Enjoy hiking in beautiful Usery Mountain Regional Park.

Volunteers will be on site to assist you.

Who could resist a cutie like this?

Adoptable shelter dogs will be hitting the Merkle Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa on Saturday November 3^rd in hopes of finding their forever homes. Plus, new for this season, the MCACC mobile adoption bus will be on site so you can purchase or renew your dog's license---without having to pay late fees. Tagging your wag is the best step you can take to be reunited with your pet if he or she gets lost. Regular license fees ($21 for altered dogs and $55 for unaltered dogs) plus proof of rabies vaccination are required.

A Wag & Walk participant takes a post-hike break.

Shelter dogs get some love on Wag & Walk hikes.

Wag & Walk hikes give you a chance to get a hands-on feel for how your potential new best friend walks on a leash and interacts with other dogs. Take a “test drive” on the easy, 1-mile loop hike followed by a meet-and-greet session back at the trailhead. 

Owned dogs are welcome to participate.

Shelter volunteers will be on hand to share information on each dog’s character, exercise needs, quirks and talents.  If you happen to fall in love with one (or more) of the dogs, you can adopt and take your new buddy home on-the-spot. All dogs are already spayed or neutered, up-to-date on their shots and licensed. 

Energy and fun go through the woof at Wag & Walk events.

Play with adoptable dogs after the hike.

Even if you’re not ready to add a pet to your family, please help support Valley homeless dogs by joining us for a morning of desert hiking and canine silliness.  On-leash, owned dogs with current vaccinations are welcome to participate.

Wagging tails and happy hikers.

The Merkle Trail is an easy, 1-mile stroll.

You don't have to be looking to adopt to participate.

"Test drive" adoptable dogs to see their leash skills.

WHAT: Wag & Walk Dog Adoption Hike

WHEN: Saturday November 3, 2018

TIME:  8:45 a.m.

Hike starts at 9 a.m.

WHERE:

Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd. Mesa, AZ 85207
Phone: (480) 984-0032 
Area 6, Merkel trailhead.

INFO & MAP:

https://maricopacountyparks.org/usery

WAG & WALK DOG ADOPTION HIKE APRIL 5

 Final Wag & Walk dog adoption hike of the season is April 5, 2014

Volunteers with Wag & Walk dogs

The heat is on and that means the dogs of Maricopa County Animal Care & Control's Mesa shelter have one more opportunity to impress you with their cuteness, leash manners and walking skills on Usery Mountain Park's Merkle Trail for the final adoption hike of the season. Participants are encourged to "test drive" the adoptable dogs and see how well they get along with other canines on this family-friendly trek. This is a special opportunity for those looking to adopt because the dogs are often more relaxed and exhibit their true pup personalities outside of the shelter environment. All Wag & Walk dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and ready to go home on the spot! So, come on out with a spare leash and an open heart for one (or more) of these deserving canine companions. Hikes will resume in November.

LENGTH: 1-mile loop (Merkle Trail)

ELEVATION: 1950'

RATING: easy, barrier-free

FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: picnic tables, restrooms, water,

GETTING THERE:

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207

From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road exit.  Go north on Ellsworth to the park entrance.

DATE/TIME: Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 9 a.m. at the Merkle trailhead (area 6 parking).

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

PUPPY BOWL!

DOG ADOPTION HIKE: SATURDAY FEB. 1, 2014

Usery Mountain Regional Park

"Nazareth" participated in the January hike

With Super Bowl weekend comes your chance to enjoy the big game in a huddle with a new best buddy. This Saturday,  the public is invited to tackle the Merkle trail along with adoptable dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care’s Mesa shelter. “Wag & Walk” hiker dogs are already spayed or neutered and available to go home on the spot, usually at greatly reduced adoption fees. Many of these dogs have been waiting to find their forever homes for a very looooong time.  Could YOU be the hero that carries them the final yards for the "touch down" they've been dreaming about?  Even if you’re not looking for a new fur baby, hiking among a pack of happy tails makes for a memorable morning in the desert.

LENGTH: 1-mile loop

ELEVATION: 1950'

RATING: easy, barrier-free

FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle

TIME: 9 a.m.

GETTING THERE:

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207

From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road exit.  Go north on Ellsworth to the park entrance. Follow the main road to Merkel trailhead at PARKING AREA 6. 

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

Next Wag & Walk Dog Adoption hike is Saturday, Feb 1, 2014

WAG & WALK DOG ADOPTION HIKE: FEB. 1, 2014

Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa

Bark, I mean MARK your calendar (with a pen, not pee) for Saturday Feb. 1, 2014.  That's the date for the next Maricopa County Animal Care/County Parks DOG ADOPTION HIKE! On the first Saturday of each month from November through April, the public is invited to hike the Merkle Trail with adoptable dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care’s Mesa shelter. “Wag & Walk” hiker dogs are already spayed or neutered and available to go home on the spot, usually at reduced adoption fees.  Many of the dogs who participated in these hikes have found their "fur-ever" homes, and all of them certainly enjoyed strutting their stuff on the trail. 

The dogs also inspired some (human) hikers to become Day Foster Volunteers.  This special team takes dogs out of the shelter for a day, weekend or a few hours to walk, socialize or just to get some quiet time and extra attention.  Sound interesting?  Sign up here: http://www.maricopa.gov/Pets/help.aspx

LENGTH: 1-mile loop (Merkle Trail)

ELEVATION: 1950'

RATING: easy, barrier-free

FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: picnic tables, restrooms, water,

GETTING THERE:

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207

From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road exit.  Go north on Ellsworth to the park entrance.

TIME: 9 a.m. at the Merkle trailhead (area 6 parking).

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE STORY ABOUT THE JANUARY HIKE:
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/get_out/events/collection_e9e6bcb4-77fc-11e3-8234-0019bb2963f4.html

Next "Wag & Walk" dog adoption hike is January 4, 2014!

"WAG & WALK" DOG ADOPTION HIKE

Usery Mountain Regional Park

"Oreo" participated in the December hike

Take a hike with a pack of adoptable dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care’s Mesa shelter on Saturday January 4, 2014 starting at 9:00 a.m.. In addition to being exceptionally cute and sweet, “Wag & Walk” hiker dogs are already spayed or neutered and available to go home on the spot, usually at greatly reduced adoption fees.  Even if you’re not looking for a new fur baby, hiking with a group of tail-wagging dogs who are ecstatic about getting out of their kennels for some much needed exercise makes for a memorable morning in the desert. Also, everybody who adopts one (or more) of the hiker dogs will be eligible to win free county park passes!  PLEASE JOIN US.  NO REGISTRATION---JUST SHOW UP.

"Bugle" was adopted!!

LENGTH: Merkle Trail: 1-mile loop

ELEVATION: 1950'

RATING: easy, barrier-free

FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: picnic tables, restrooms, water,

GETTING THERE: Usery Mountain Regional Park,

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207

From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road exit.  Go north on Ellsworth to the park entrance. HIKE MEETS AT "AREA 6" TRAILHEAD PARKING.

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

Happy tails at Usery Mountain Park

MERKLE TRAIL WAG & WALK HIKES

Usery Mountain Regional Park

A hopeful pup and her handler arrive at the trailhead

More than 29 miles of hiking trails bumping up against Mesa's Goldfield Mountains grace this lower Sonoran Desert park.  The miles are divided up among 19 routes ranging from easy to difficult, so there's something for everyone---including those who require or prefer barrier-free trekking. For hikers pushing strollers or turning wheels, the Merkle Trail is just the ticket.  Off limits to bikes and horses, the flat, graded path makes a loop through lush vegetation with outstanding mountain views. On the first Saturday of each month from November through April, the public is invited to hike this trail along with adoptable dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care’s east shelter. “Wag & Walk” hiker dogs are already spayed or neutered and available to go home on the spot with reduced adoption fees and a chance to win free county park passes.  Even if you’re not looking for a new fur baby, hiking among a pack of happy tails makes for a memorable morning in the desert.

Volunteers hike with adoptable dogs

LENGTH: 1-mile loop

ELEVATION: 1950'

RATING: easy, barrier-free

FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: picnic tables, restrooms, water,

GETTING THERE:

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207

From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road exit.  Go north on Ellsworth to the park entrance.

UPCOMING WAG & WALK HIKES:  All hikes begin at 9 a.m. at the Merkle trailhead (area 6 parking). December 7, January 4, February 4, March 1, April 5. No registration required. 

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/ 

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4890141510122.1073741893.1795269672&type=1&l=f553932ae8

Adopt a shelter dog hike

WAG & WALK DOG ADOPTION HIKE

Saturday, November 3, 2013 

Wolfie--ADOPTED!

Hikers, I'll be leading this public event featuring adoptable shelter dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control on an easy, barrier-free trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park. Owned, leashed dogs that are at least 6 months old and current on their vaccinations are welcome to join the trek. Don't have a dog? No problem. Here's your opportunity to "test drive" potential canine hiking partners to see how they behave on leash and get along with other dogs while learning about trail ettiquite and safety. Bring water, sun protection, sturdy footware and an open heart for a possible new best friend. 

WHERE: Usery Mountain Park, Mesa. 

WHEN: FIRST SATURDAY THE MONTH, NOV- APRIL Meet 9 a.m. sharp at the Merkle trailhead. $6 per vehicle park entry fee.

INFO & MAP:

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

Hiking dog in search of a trail.

Looking for love in all the wrong places?

Ursula: hiking dog in waiting

Having spent a full year of her life looking for love in the Maricopa County Animal Care shelter in Mesa AZ, URSULA, a beautiful, 2-year-old, female, pitbull mix has proven her tenacity and willingness to go the distance in the search for her ideal life companions. Because this little girl is so special, shelter staff thought that exposure to a more energetic audience, namely, the hiking community, might help her locate her forever home. Playful, affectionate and eager to please, URSULA would thrive with adults and older children (12+) who share her love of vigorous exercise and interactive companionship. She is a tad picky about her canine friends, so it's recommended that potential adopters bring their other dog(s) to the shelter for proper introduction. With a little bit of training and a dose of love URSULA would make an excellent hiking partner.

NAME: URSULA

ID #: A3179266

ADOPTION FEE: $60 includes shots, license and free vet exam.

She is already spayed and ready to go home!

TO ADOPT URSULA:

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control

East Valley Shelter

2630 West Rio Salado Parkway (8th Street & Loop 101)

Mesa, AZ 85201

ADOPTION HOURS: 11 a.m. - 5:30 daily except Thursdays

Hike to help adoptable dogs

GET FIT WITH A PIT CHALLENGE

Register now to help a local animal rescue organization socialize their dogs during this January promotion.  You'll be walking/hiking adoptable dogs for a chance to earn t-shirts and other prizes---not to mention bringing attention to some really great canines looking for forever homes.

TO REGISTER & LEARN MORE:
call 623-396-8466 or visit:
https://www.facebook.com/GetFitWithAPitChallengephoenix

DOG HIKE AT USERY MOUNTAIN PARK

There's always something fun going on at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa. To learn about programs such as bird hikes, yoga classes, kid hikes and nighttime critter hunts, log on to: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/ and check out the calendar of events.