Vista High School got to spend a day with a dog named “Lily” from the Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY), as part of Yuma Union High School District and HSOY’s partnership called “Dogs Day Out.”

Staff and students had an opportunity to interact with Lily, after signing a consent form, as Vista High School Principal David King walked her through the school hallways and classrooms. 

“While we were helping her socialize and get a break from the shelter, her presence on our campus allowed our students to get a better understanding of the role of the Humane Society, how they can volunteer, and how to promote awareness of the shelter’s needs,” King said. “We plan to host dogs like Lily throughout the year to continue to provide them a break from the shelter and positively affect our Lobo community.”

Lily, a 4-year-old female pitbull terrier, has been at the humane society since July 14, 2023. The “Dogs Day Out” program was created in order to help reduce kennel stress and provide dogs with enrichment. The program also provides valuable insight on how the dog behaves outside the shelter environment. All dogs who take part in the program have been certified by HSOY for public interactions with adolescents. 

YUHSD and HSOY are expanding the program in coming months to include additional campuses and opportunities. Cibola High School will be the next campus to get to experience “Dogs Day Out.” Kofa High School and Gila Ridge High School both hosted dogs as part of the program during the 2022-23 school year.