See something, bark something: Register for Dog Walker Watch training

The training class will take place 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24.

By Bailey Jo Josie bailey.jo.josie@rentonreporter.com • August 15, 2023 6:30 am
(Photo courtesy of Cyndie Morris) Riley, who belongs to Cyndie Morris of the Renton Police Department, is the poster pooch for the Dog Walker Watch.
(Photo courtesy of Cyndie Morris) Riley, who belongs to Cyndie Morris of the Renton Police Department, is the poster pooch for the Dog Walker Watch.

Renton’s Dog Walker Watch is making its grand comeback this month after a pandemic-long hiatus — or 21-year-long hiatus, in dog years.

A crime awareness program that encourages dog walkers to help with crime prevention efforts, the city’s Dog Walker Watch will hold a training class from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. Priority is given to those who live within the Renton city limits and maximum two-dog households.

The program trains dog owners how to effectively observe and report suspicious or criminal activity when routinely out in their neighborhoods.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, the Renton program was started in September 2019 by Cyndie Morris of the Renton Police Department, but the program was put on hold due to the pandemic.

“I’m leaving at the end of the year and [Dog Walker Watch] was one of those ‘on my bucket list’ programs I thought would be fun to offer our community,” said Morris. “And it’s a unique way to educate the public on how to recognize suspicious [or] criminal activity and when to call 911.”

To register for the program, visit rentonwa.gov/dww or contact Morris at cmorris@rentonwa.gov. The training class will be at Heritage Park at 233 Union Avenue Northeast.