About a month ago I was travelling between two offices and decided that this was the day I would stop in the shelter in the rural town that I was headed to. From the outside it was a disaster and upon leaving my car, I could hear the heartwrenching sounds of many, many dogs within. As I was standing there debating on whether or not to enter, a man pulled up in the municipal vehicle that designated him as a shelter employee and asked to help me. I explained that I volunteer at my local shelter and wondered if there was a need for volunteers here. A question eagerly answered that gave me the impression that volunteers were few and far between.
Since they were closing soon, I didn’t have the opportunity to enter, but as luck and scheduling turned out, I was able to visit today. I was greeted at the door by the Animal Warden, who had been apprised that I might show up one of these days, pit bull type puppy, a mastiff and a jack russell who were all wandering in the office area along with a few cats. The Warden and I chatted about my experience and their philosophy, their struggles and challenges. I asked if they ever allow or wanted other shelters to pull and was told that they are quite willing.
I was given a tour of the facility and headed out to walk a couple of dogs before needing to return to the office.
Naturally, I chose this fellow with a heart on his neck, but truth be told, I was actually quite pleased to see only three Pit Bull type dogs at this shelter. The mix of available dogs was varied which also was contrary to what I had imagined I would find.
I left with the Warden’s card and cell number and promised I’d give her a head’s up before my next visit, in case the stars align that we could pull some dogs!
This story left me with tears in my eyes and a warm feeling in my belly. You are a very special lady
Thank you, Sharon. It takes one to know one.
Welcome to WordPress!!!! And as per the post… YOU ARE SO FRIGGEN AWESOME!
I’m loving WP so far….and I’m just trying to keep up with the crowd of awesomeness up in here.
The heart on the neck… that just melts me! The blog looks great on WordPress!
Several years ago I helped various rescues with transporting dogs from one town/city to another. They were being transported to a foster home, another rescue group, or sometimes their forever home. I even pulled 5 dogs once, it was a last minute thing and something someone one was supposed to have done. It was very difficult choosing only a few. For one reason or another, I had to stop with volunteering, but I hope that soon I can helping again. I miss it, and though not volunteering gives me more time with my own pups (which was very needed the past 2 years), I feel bad not helping others.
I think an appropriate name for the dog with the heart is “Amor” which means love in Spanish š
~Liliana