inspired
Over the past few months I've really gained a respect for those of you that volunteer your time at shelters and with rescue. It's been a real treat for me to hear your success stories! You have inspired me to take action on something I've been thinking about for years, so starting on Thursday I too will be volunteering at my local shelter. Thank you to all that have helped me make the decision whether you realized it or not.
On that note, I'm also looking for advice. Is there anything I should be aware of (other than making sure I don't fall in love with all the dogs and bring them home :-P)? Are there certain no-nos or things I shouldn't do while there? Are there things I can do that other volunteers typically will not? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
On that note, I'm also looking for advice. Is there anything I should be aware of (other than making sure I don't fall in love with all the dogs and bring them home :-P)? Are there certain no-nos or things I shouldn't do while there? Are there things I can do that other volunteers typically will not? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Comments
First - You will not be able to not fall in love with all of the dogs (at least the majority of them) you just have to refrain from taking them home.
Most likely someone will give you a bit of training on the dos and don'ts of the shelter you are volunteering at. All of them do things slightly differently.
My main word of advice would be to trust your instincts with the dogs. If they look stressed, are acting stressed, or are acting like they just aren't right, don't try and force a leash on or try to drag them outside. A bite is a big deal, and usually the dog then has to spend 10 days by itself with no interaction with volunteers, and no walks. Just today I had a dog that was acting a bit spooky, dodging the leash, growled once. So I left and came back an hour later, but that time he had settled and was ready to have a leash put on. I also had to use a bite glove with a small terrified mill release today. The dog did bite the glove, multiple times when I was trying to get the leash off, but I knew he would, so no harm no foul, because the glove was on.
Your a smart guy, just use your head, and be very liberal with the treats if you are allowed to be, they are stuck in there, and deserve a bit of spoiling.
If you run into questions, check with the staff. The staff might always know, try to find the person there that really knows what is going on, and knows dogs, a lot of them do not.
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Ditto what Brandon said. All new volunteers at the shelter I frequent have to go through "Safe Handling Orientation" because some dogs are just too fragile (mentally and/or physically).
Its hard to not fall in love with the dogs. Its really really hard. Its even harder to foster because you just can't help wanting to show that kind of unconditional love that you know your dogs thrive from. You have to show them that people are not all bad with a kind touch and soft but firm tone and try your hardest not to fall in love! Having knowledge about responsible ownership of dogs will really help your logic. You know you have two, and to have two probably took a lot of work, so you know the shelter dog is better off waiting for their other angels to adopt them. And having a positive interaction with you will help further them to their new home!
If the shelter can help, it actually helps to know a bit of background on the dog, like was it a family dog that was surrendered or abused and confiscated or a mill dog, etc. You will be able to turn on your 'sensors' to your limit with the dog.
Its a total all around rewarding experience.
And make sure your tetanus shot is UTD.
Love these dogs like they are your own. Sometimes the love you give is the one thing that keeps them going, and when you see that empty cell because they are in their forever home, you will know why volunteering is the greatest job in the world.
I think its virtually indescribable the overall feeling and emotion you get when you realize what you can do even when you think its a small, unnoticed thing because volunteering is indeed the greatest job in the world.
...and just a great way to put it, Jessica.
After chatting with one of the staff members for a while and getting some information, I spent 45 minutes just wandering around and meeting the puppies and dogs. I then spent an hour and a half scooping poop because I felt bad that half of them were laying around in messes. There was a female Husky and a female Rottie mix that I just went bonkers over. They were both soo sweet and friendly I couldn't take it! Right before I left, one couple was seriously considering the Husky so I'm hoping she goes home with them. :-)
There were two things that kinda bothered me though. First, there was one beagle that was so morbidly obese that she had trouble standing up to turn around and see me when I entered her cage to clean it. It was just horrible. The other was the number of dogs with diarrhea or vomiting. I know when new dogs arrive they get an abrupt diet change, but some of these poor guys were pooping puddles and vomiting right in front of me. I informed the animal care specialist and she took note, but didn't seem particularly concerned.
On the whole, I'm looking forward to going back. :-)
I'm glad you enjoyed parts of your first day, and are going back.
Here is my shelters petfinder profile
www.petfinder.com/shelters/RI35.html
You're petfinder page is far nicer than ours. :-( I'm going to have to convince them to either work on it or let me do so.
http://petfinder.com/shelters/PA164.html