Fort Bliss soldiers are joining El Paso residents for a heart‑warming community service each month. The base’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program partners with El Paso Animal Services to host the “Rescue Runners” dog‑walking event on the first Sunday of every month.
How the program works
Volunteers gather from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the shelter, where they are paired with dogs that spend much of their lives indoors. The walks give the animals fresh air, exercise, and a chance to interact with caring people, which can improve their chances of adoption.
While BOSS primarily supports single soldiers, the program is open to anyone in the community who wants to help. Soldiers who participate also earn volunteer hours that count toward their service requirements.
Personal connection fuels participation
Alexis Escobar‑Paz, a marketing program assistant with Fort Bliss MWR, explained the event’s impact during a recent interview with ABC‑7. She said the program holds special meaning for her because she adopted her German shepherd, Raven, from El Paso Animal Services after meeting the dog through the shelter. “Seeing these dogs get a chance to run and play, and knowing we’re helping them find forever homes, is incredibly rewarding,” Escobar‑Paz said.
How to get involved
Anyone interested can sign up through the Fort Bliss MWR website. The online calendar lists the Rescue Runners event, and a simple registration form secures a spot. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for themselves and the dogs.
The program reflects the shared values of faith, family, and liberty that guide both the military and the El Paso community. By serving together, soldiers and civilians demonstrate a commitment to caring for the vulnerable—both people and animals—while strengthening the bonds that make neighborhoods thrive.
Looking ahead
Rescue Runners will continue each month, with plans to expand outreach to additional shelters in the region. Fort Bliss and El Paso Animal Services hope the partnership will inspire more volunteers, increase adoptions, and showcase the positive impact of service‑oriented collaboration.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
