Fort Bliss soldiers help shelter dogs

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Fort Bliss soldiers and community members have another opportunity to give back while spending time with shelter dogs through the monthly Rescue Runners program.

The Fort Bliss Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, known as BOSS, partners with El Paso Animal Services on the first Sunday of each month to give shelter dogs a chance to get outside, exercise and spend time with volunteers.

Alexis Escobar-Paz, marketing program assistant with Fort Bliss MWR, joined ABC-7 at noon to discuss the program and how people can participate.

Escobar-Paz said the event runs from 8 to 10 a.m. and gives volunteers an opportunity to walk dogs that may otherwise spend much of their time inside the shelter.

While BOSS focuses on single soldiers, Escobar-Paz said the volunteer opportunity is open to others in the community as well. Soldiers can also earn volunteer hours by participating.

Escobar-Paz said the program has a personal connection for her. She adopted her German shepherd, Raven, from El Paso Animal Services after meeting her through the shelter.

Those interested in participating can visit the Fort Bliss MWR website, find Rescue Runners on the calendar and complete the online registration form.