Apps - - Pokemon Go & Walk For a Dog

Pokémon Go

Pokémon GO is a gaming app created by Niantic with the tag line “Get up and go catch Pokémon in the real world with Pokémon GO!” This app is available in both Apple and Android.

Now you may be asking yourself why a dog blog is blogging about Pokémon GO. There is one simple answer; it has had a huge impact on dogs across the globe. While it was intended to get humans up and outside walking more, it has also had a similar impact on dogs.

Those humans with dogs are taking their dogs with them while walking around looking for Pokémon.  I have also seen some post shared on Facebook telling how Pokémon GO has been affecting dogs in shelters across the country. Some shelters have started renting their dogs for those playing Pokémon Go to walk while playing to help hide the fact that they are playing the game. (I will include a couple screen shots of them below.)

When possible, My boyfriend and I take Chip for what we call Poke-walks. We take a few different routes through our local town past the majority of the Poke-stops to collect gear. We get to play Pokemon Go and Chip gets to go on a walk. It benefits all three of us by giving us something to look forward to and get us excited about getting outside to exercise.

http://www.pokemongo.com/

Walk For A Dog

In addition to Pokémon GO, there is an app called Walk for a Dog by WoofTrax, Inc. It is also available on both Apple and Android.

Walk for a Dog donates to your local animal shelter. The more people walking for your selected animal shelter the more money they could receive. At the end of each donation period the funds are divided between the shelters based on the number of active walkers. Their funds are acquired by sponsorships and advertising.

I love that I can run Walk for a Dog in the background while playing Pokemon Go. It makes me feel like I am doing something fun while also doing something that benefits dogs less fortunate than Chip.

I try to remember each and every time I walk to use this app, whether I am playing Pokémon Go, walking Chip, or just walking on my own.

http://www.wooftrax.com/

 

 

I run both of these apps on an Android based Samsung Galaxy s5.

 

Sincerely,

Chip & Jessica