More than 60 Oakland County employees used their lunch break to get a little exercise as part of a new county wellness program that benefits employees and dogs being housed in the Oakland Pet Adoption Center.
For a two-hour period today, 67 employees walked the 15 dogs that were brought to the county complex from the Adoption Center. The program is a collaboration with OakFit, the county wellness program for employees. The dogs were available for adoption.
“They loved it, they absolutely loved it – the dogs and the employees,” said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. “It gives the employees a chance to get a little exercise and the dogs got some exercise too.”
The program is similar to one the Adoption Center began several months ago when it gave local businesses the option of allowing their employees to walk dogs during lunch. As many as eight companies accepted the offer and now walk the dogs on a regular basis, said Joanie Toole, administrative supervisor for the Adoption Center.
County employees were required to register in advance and sign a waiver before taking the dogs for a spin. 
They were also given disposable gloves and a plastic bag for obvious reasons. Dawn Hunt, OakFit coordinator, said some employees who can’t have pets in their homes because of allergies or other reasons were excited to participate.
“They thought it was awesome,” said Hunt. “Some told me they participate in other wellness events but this was by far the most fun. Some people even asked about pet adoption.”
Fitness Unleashed runs every Thursday through October 31 at various county buildings.
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