The Dog Path Crew (DPC) began as an idea in the fall of 2012. While other OHS volunteers had worked on the OHS dog-walking path at various times, my husband Bill and I decided to make a scheduled effort, twice a month, to take care of not only the path where volunteers walk dogs, but the entire ecosystem of the area.
We thought of that golden movie adage, “If you build it, they will come,” and began advertising the DPC and its mission in the OHS weekly volunteer newsletter. We were certain that the more people heard about what we were doing, the more they’d want to come help us!
Since that time, our Crew has grown to include 11 dedicated volunteers who regularly help maintain the health and beauty of the natural wonderland tucked away behind the OHS buildings in a Northeast Portland industrial area. Working with OHS staff, these DPC folks also help lead community groups who visit OHS to put in sweat equity on the path, making a difference in the lives of shelter dogs and their volunteer walkers. Related story »
Let me introduce you to a few of our fabulous Crew members.
Devon Spencer and Jack Montag are another couple who contribute to the teamwork of the DPC. Devon started volunteering for OHS in May of 2010, and Jack followed suit in April of 2011, both putting in time as dog walkers. They both started contributing to the Dog Path Crew in 2015 and have been a tremendous help ever since. Devon and Jack are a great team and have been a huge asset working on the path, helping with groups and community members and pitching in on whatever project the DPC is tackling at any given time.
Hal Needham has been an OHS volunteer since March of 2013, joining the DPC that same May. Hal is invaluable to the group:, he takes time to keep the pavement and footbridges clear of debris whenever he’s on campus, and contributes “out of the box” thinking to solve problems around the path, such as shoring up a bouncy bridge or managing a ditch created by run-off from the parking lot. He also loads a mean dumpster and is handy with a chainsaw, shovel, or lawn mower as needed. Hal has an easy way about him that makes working on the path enjoyable for everyone he interacts with.
Donna Ruark has been a steadfast OHS and DPC volunteer since May 2013. She enjoys managing the loading of a debris dumpster whenever we have one, earning the affectionate title of Dumpster Diva. Besides volunteering for OHS, Donna is an avid walker herself, and has two dogs at home who benefit from her many outings. Her contribution to the DPC and the path is much appreciated – she’s reliable and dependable and always willing to pitch in.
These are just some of the wonderful people who contribute their time, effort, knowledge, muscles, and laughter to taking care of our dog walking path. They are out in the blazing sun, pruning and chopping. They are out in the pouring rain, rolling wheelbarrows full of wood chips onto the path to help keep the dogs and their walkers as safe and as dry as possible. They climb steep hillsides and crawl under bushes. Many things have been asked of these folks; they pitch in and accomplish the tasks with smiles and nary a complaint.
Get Involved
Are you interested in helping OHS and the Dog Path Crew? You can experience being a member of the DPC without a long-term commitment! Get a taste of the fun we have by signing up to participate in SOLVE’s Beach and Riverside Cleanup: OHS Dog Path Restoration Project on Saturday, September 24, 2016.
While we don’t have a beach or a river running through the grounds, we do have a pond! And that pond needs to be tended to along with the rest of the path. By signing up for this project, you’ll participate with other community volunteers and the DPC as we clean up around the pond, spread wood chips on the path, and prepare the whole area for the coming of fall weather. Who knows, you may enjoy yourself so much that you become a regular volunteer for OHS and join the Dog Path Crew. We’d love to have you!
More Info
Visit the dog walking path in this blog entry »
See more examples of work done on the path here and here »
Bring your group or workplace to OHS for a day of volunteering on the path – group volunteer info »
Learn how to become an OHS volunteer »
