A few years ago I stopped to drop off donations to one of our nearby facilities, and decided to walk through the kennels and look at the available dogs. What went through my head was exactly what many of you might think; "this is so sad", and "I can't help save them all." Well, of course no one can help all of them, that's why we need a lot of people who can just help in little bits; here and there, one animal at a time, because all the tiny efforts really add up to make a BIG DIFFERENCE.
It's not really fair to project these emotions or our perceived sadness, onto animals in need, because THEY aren't sad or heart broken. They don't have the ability to compare their current situation with the past or the future, so they just live in the moment, moments that can be filled with joy because of a kind human who comes to walk them, take one out for a day trip, or to the park. Activities like these are exciting and stimulating for shelter dogs, and it gives them a refreshing break from a small kennel they spend much of their time in, but it also teaches them manners, how to walk on a leash, behave, learn basic commands, and all of these things help them become more adoptable.
Shelter pets aren't evaluating their situation on a daily basis - they ARE waiting for better lives, yes, but in the meantime they thrive on love, attention, exercise, and outings which give them human contact and experiences. With most facilities across the country at capacity, there is simply not enough time in the day for staff or core volunteers to spend enough time with every animal, but your moments that you generously choose to donate....those are like rays of sunshine to these four footed friends.
The creatures in our local shelters or Humane Society organizations aren't heartbreaking or broken. They are here because it's a system to house them until good people come along - to socialize them, sit quietly with an older or fearful dog, practice basic skills such as "sit" or learning how to walk politely on a leash, foster, do a day outing, or adopt. But in the meantime, YOU - your hands and feet and heart - can make such a big difference in their lives.
Please don't allow "it would break my heart" to be a barrier to sharing love with homeless animals. They benefit so much from having more interactions, longer walks, different humans to play ball with and learn from; and you can do all this in as little as 2 - 3 hours a week! Many of the volunteers where I go are already at capacity, with several animals in their homes so they cannot take more in, but with new, eager helpers coming out to get involved, the amount of good we can do is multipled. Don't stay away "because you can't save them all", because each of us has the potential to make a difference for one, or two, or five. Just start there, because we are all doing what we can.
Thanks for stopping by my blog ~ 😊
community first • marketing consultant • advocate for small business • lover
of classic cars • beach girl • believer that "together we accomplish more"
