"Tails on Trails" is a joint promotional campaign of Trailnet and the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO). Through this campaign we hope to raise awareness of the benefits of regular exercise for people and dogs, raise prospective adoptive families for dogs sheltered at HSMO facilities and raise awareness of the fantastic trail resources throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. We hope you'll join with us and walk your dog on one or more of the 120 trails in our region. And, if you don't have a dog, you can become a "Pet Pal" volunteer at the HSMO and walk a shelter dog at their facilities, or better yet, adopt a new walking companion today!

Featured Dog and Trail

Parker is a Boxer/Labrador mix. Many dogs like Parker are available for adoption at the Humane Society of Missouri.
Visit the HSMO website to learn more

Claudia, a Humane Society volunteer is walking Parker on the trail in Tower Grove Park.
Learn more about Tower Grove Park and other regional trails on our website

Benefits of Regular Exercise for People
A regular exercise program can significantly improve your physical and mental health. According to the 1996 U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, people of all ages who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis. Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk for developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness in the United States, such as heart disease. Being physically active also helps combat problems that can result from a sedentary lifestyle, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week.
Source: www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/physactivity.htm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Places) and www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/index.htm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)

Stress can have a major impact on mental and emotional health. Early warning signs of stress include, moodiness, withdrawing from responsibility, trouble falling asleep, poor emotional control, severe feelings of helplessness and dependency, chronic fatigue and susceptibility to illness, and marked change in appetite or sex drive. Some of the increased stress in our lives today can be caused by long and taxing daily commutes. This increased commuting-related stress may be related to the perceived increases in the rates of “road rage.” A basic exercise program is a good stress management technique.
Source: www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/mental.htm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Places) and www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mental Health)

Benefits of Regular Exercise for Dogs
The following tip has been adapted from the article, The Many Benefits of Exercise and Play from Your Dog newsletter (published by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine):

Daily exercise sessions benefit you and your dog. Exercise needs vary depending on the breed, age and individual traits of the dog. But it's a good idea to play catch, Frisbee or other games, and take your dog for 30-minute walks each day.

• Sufficient exercise helps reduce or eliminate common behaviors such as digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity. Dogs need physical and mental stimulation each day.
• Exercise helps prevent boredom and channels the dog's energy in a productive, acceptable direction.
• Exercise helps keep pets healthy, agile and limber.
• It reduces the incidence of digestive problems and constipation.
• It helps prevent depression.
• It's a good way to help a timid or fearful dog build confidence and trust.
• Exercise promotes healthy rest. A well-exercised dog will be sleepy instead of restless when it's time to relax or go to bed.
• And exercise is key to weight control.

Source: www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_ExerciseBenefits.html (Partnership for Animal Welfare, Inc.)