Go Ahead: Volunteer at the Animal Shelter

Samuel Smiles said "You're more likely to act yourself into feeling than feel yourself into action. So act! Whatever it is you know you should do, do it."

I'm an animal lover and the proud owner of two fabulously crazy cats that my husband and I took in off the street and one magnificent dog that wondered into our yard emaciated, abused and tick-ridden. No trace of their previous hardships can be found in the happy, wonderful pets that bring us joy every day. 

As a business owner, wife, active community and church member, singer, gym rat and gardener, my plate is pretty full, yet I recently started volunteering at the Douglas County Animal Shelter. You can find a few hours in your schedule when you know you should do something.

I started volunteering with the express desire to work directly with the animals - to make them as comfortable and happy as they can be for however long they are there. I clean litter boxes, disinfect cages, change paper, feed and water. Most importantly, though, I take them out, scratch their heads and give them love. I am there for the animals - to be a warm spot in the middle of an interminable day spent cooped up in a small area. 

How can you not feel what's right when you hold a purring kitty who is so happy to have clean litter and a toy? How can you not be touched by the rightness of taking a dog who has never known a safe haven out to play and looking at the sheer happiness on his or her face?

All of this brings me back to the quote with which I started. The shelter needs volunteers and by the shelter I mean the ANIMALS need help. The cats and dogs need food, toys, clean cages, baths, feedings for babies, walks, play time and love. Most of all, they need homes. 

Even if you cannot adopt at this time, you should consider volunteering any amount of time at the shelter. 

What's that? You are not an "animal" person? Often we let who we think we are get in the way of what we know is right. Our heart follows our actions, you know, not the other way around. Where we spend our time and money (actions) - therein lies our heart's true desires.

Make a deliberate choice to act on behalf of the homeless and abused pets. Spend some time with them. Watch their faces fill with gratitude when they get the tiniest bit of attention.

If you do, your feelings about animals will change. Your feelings will follow your actions and you'll find that animals are honest. They are forgiving. They are loyal. They are, frankly, remarkable.

The animals in the shelter need volunteers and homes. Don't let what you think you feel about other things color the real needs that exist. Any time you spend with them will make a difference in you, too.

I hope to see you there~