Meet Wilma: Coachella Valley’s Fido Program Lets You Walk Shelter Dogs for a Day

It’s time for another Fido Friday, our weekly spotlight on a community program making a real difference for shelter dogs across the Coachella Valley. The Fido program gives local residents the opportunity to take a shelter dog out for the day—helping the animals decompress, get fresh air, and connect with potential adopters.

This week’s featured pup is Wilma, a one-year-old Doberman mix with plenty of energy and a sweet temperament. Volunteer Ramona has been walking dogs through the Fido program since February and says it’s one of the most rewarding things she’s ever done.

“We just go in, get a dog, and take it out for a day,” Ramona explained. “We’ll walk them in places like Palm Desert Park or Alpaca Park—anywhere they can stretch their legs and meet people. It’s amazing to see how much they change once they’re out of the shelter environment.”

Ramona says Wilma is still very much a puppy at heart, eager to meet people and other dogs. “She’s got a sweet personality and just needs the right person to give her a chance,” she said.

If you’d like to adopt Wilma, reach out to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus and reference her name and ID number: A1840704.

And if you’re interested in becoming a Fido walker yourself, the process is simple. Just email Pam Solek at pam.solek@gmail.com or connect with her through the Nextdoor app. You don’t need special training—just a few spare hours and a love for animals.

Every walk could change a dog’s life—and maybe even yours.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.