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Humane Dedication 
Photo/A.J. PUCKETT
Locals gather at the Humane Society and Rock Creek to commemorate the new footbridge that now joins the two properties together.
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By A.J. PuckettThe Dawson County Humane Society and Rock Creek Park are now connected by a footbridge and a walking path. The path was built in conjunction with the Humane Society's new program "Never Walk Alone." "We have already had some people participating in the program, but the new bridge will hopefully encourage more people to participate," said Shelter Director Kay Harris. "Never Walk Alone" is at its core a dog walking program. Anyone can go to the Humane Society and after a little training from the staff you can take a dog to walk around the neighboring Rock Creek Park. The convenience of this new bridge is that people participating will have a much shorter walk to the park than previous. Without the path, anyone participating in the program would have to walk back down the dirt road that the shelter is located on and enter the park. "Never Walk Alone" also serves as part of the pet adoption process. It gives potential adopters a chance to get to know the dog and it serves as a way for the dogs to get some exercise. The Management Development Program Class constructed the walking path and bridge, as a part of their second of three classes. The class required that the group complete a community service project. "We chose to do this particular project, because the Humane Society has had plans for a bridge and path connecting to Rock Creek, but they have not had the funding to accomplish it," said Karen Armstrong from the Dawson County Board of Elections and Registration. "We are very grateful we could serve our community in this capacity." The MDP classes that these members of Dawson and Dawsonville governments are attending come with a diploma from University of Georgia. The attendees were chosen by their superiors to be a part of the MDP. "This project would not have been possible with out donations from George David, Cathy Prettyman, Ben Chitwood, Jim and Jody Ligon, Shoal Creek, the Humane Society, Dawson County, the City of Dawsonville, Lumpkin County, Public Works, Kay Harris of the Humane Society, Rock Creek Park, Etowah Water and Sewer and Gary Pichon," said Armstrong. |
