The "Icky" Side of Volunteering, or Why You May Think It's Not For You
A number of years ago I stopped to drop off donations off at an area animal shelter and decided to walk through the kennels and look at the available dogs. I thought exactly what many of you do and say; "this is so sad. I can't help save them all. This hurts my heart." That led to me not going to help, when I could have, because of my feelings of guilt or sadness, but that's not fair for us to project our emotions onto avoiding the creatures most in need. THEY aren't sad or heart broken - they are in limbo, because animals live day to day, and they aren't evaluating their situation on a daily basis. They ARE waiting for better lives, yes. They THRIVE on love and walks and outings. They desperately need human contact and to be loved on and brushed and treated like the beautiful little beings they are - and in an overcrowded facility, we - the current pool of volunteers - cannot give each one much time or attention.
The animals there didn't do anything wrong - they aren't dying, or dead, or disease ridden - they are there because someone let them down, didn't care, or didn't want them anymore. 😢 They are there because it's a system which houses the unwanted animals until good people come along to help walk them each day, take them out to socialize, for an afternoon outing, foster, adopt, and change their lives. They are sitting in kennels or crates, eager to meet humans and have positive interactions and happy endings.....but none of this happens without people willing to give some time and energy towards a cause.
Yes, there are some sick animals in back areas. Yes, dogs and cats come in daily to an already full facility. Yes, people come by every single week and drop off animals they no longer want. Yes, people hurt innocent creatures and we have to try and help heal them, but the staff and volunteers are limited and we can only do so much with the time and energy we have. ** fun fact ** most of the volunteers I know have multiple animals already and are full up at their homes, which means WE can't take in more or help another special needs dog - but with more people, great things happen. Dividing the work amongst more individuals who care WILL make a difference, because more animals will get walks, learn how to be on a leash, learn simple basics such as sit and stay, all of which make a huge difference when the public come to see a potential new family member.
But if you can put aside the feelings of guilt or worry over "feeling sad"....you could help us do SO MUCH. Don't let fear of your emotions keep you from volunteering, because as humans we have the ability to put aside feelings and operated in a way that works for the greater good. Don't stay away "because you can't save them all", because you CAN make the difference for one, or two, or five. Just start there, because we are all doing what we can. Come out to the shelter and find out more; sign the guest book and offer to walk two dogs. Make a time to meet me or Joe there and we will show you around and explain what volunteering is like at the facility we help at. Just.....show up. Because NOTHING is as heartbreaking as lack of helpers and people who care.
#TogetherWeAchieveMore
#volunteersareamazing
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community first • marketing consultant • advocate for small business • lover
of classic cars • beach girl • believer that "together we accomplish more"
