July 30, 2026
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

Recently, one of our supporters signed up for the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare’s Doggie Day Out program and took shelter dog Nami on an adventure to Hopelands Gardens before bringing her home for an overnight sleepover. What they discovered wasn’t a stressed shelter dog – it was a gentle, affectionate family companion just waiting for someone to notice her.

“We had the absolute pleasure of taking Miss Nami out for a Doggie Day Out to explore Hopelands Gardens and then she came home for a slumber party,” Courtney Crafton wrote afterward.

“She was an absolute gem the entire time. Nami walks well on the leash, and boy does she have a sniffer! She loves to get out and smell her way around. Bonus points if there is a wily squirrel out to play.”

Back at home, Nami settled in effortlessly. “She was the perfect house guest. She is completely housebroken and a very dainty lady inside the house. She is respectful of furniture, however if you invite her up, she’s all there for the cuddle time.”

Like many shelter dogs, Nami enjoyed getting outside and exploring, but she also proved she was just as content relaxing indoors. “Nami has plenty of energy for however many walks you would like to take, but don’t let that fool you – this girl can NAP!”

Perhaps the biggest surprise came with the family’s two young children. “Nami was incredibly gentle and well behaved with my two small kiddos, ages 7 and 5. She would make an amazing addition to a family looking for that perfect family dog.”

Stories like Nami’s perfectly illustrate why Doggie Day Out exists: to give community members the opportunity to borrow a shelter dog for a few hours, or even an overnight sleepover, with no long-term commitment required. It’s simple, flexible, and one of the most meaningful ways to help dogs who are struggling with shelter life.

Animal shelters are busy, noisy places. Even friendly, well-adjusted dogs can become stressed after spending weeks or months in a kennel. A day outside the shelter gives them something they desperately need: a chance to simply be a dog.

These outings provide stress relief, mental enrichment, and valuable real-world experiences. We learn how dogs ride in the car, behave in a home, interact with children, relax on the couch, or enjoy a walk through the park. Those insights help us make better adoption matches, while photos and stories from participants help potential adopters see each dog’s personality instead of just a shelter photo.

The benefits extend beyond the dogs, too. Many people would love to help a shelter pet but aren’t in a position to adopt or foster. Doggie Day Out offers a low-pressure way to make a genuine difference. Whether your adventure includes hiking a trail, grabbing lunch at a pet-friendly restaurant, binge-watching movies on the couch, or simply taking a long nap together, every outing gives a shelter dog a much-needed reset.

Participating couldn’t be easier. Simply stop by the SPCA Albrecht Center during regular hours. No appointment is necessary. Complete a short form, let our staff help you choose a dog that fits your plans, and we’ll provide everything you need, including supplies and recommendations for dog-friendly destinations.

When you return, you’ll fill out a brief report card about your experience, giving us valuable information that could help that dog find the perfect home. And if you discover, like Nami’s new friends did, that one day just isn’t enough, ask us about overnight sleepovers or fostering.

For Nami, one simple day revealed everything we hoped people would see: a sweet, well-mannered dog who loves adventures, adores naps, and has all the makings of a wonderful family companion.

Imagine what one day could reveal about the next shelter dog. Maybe your adventure won’t just change their day. Maybe it’ll change their life.🐾

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Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA), Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband and several beloved cats.