VOLUNTEER FOR THE ANIMALS
Volunteers and Tennessee. The words go together. In just over a month, October 25 to be exact, the Friends of the Cookeville/Putnam County Animals will again be hosting Bark in the Park and adding a new activity – Walk for the Animals. This is truly a wonderful, fun-filled event, but the number of volunteers needed is astounding! From manning entrance gates to filling water bowls to overseeing dog activity centers, volunteers are needed everywhere. We have been so blessed with help in the past – from TTU sports teams and Greeks to businesses to individuals – many have worked to help raise money for the local animal organizations in need. Should you wish to volunteer, please send an email to me at jan@smilesandwags.com .
Today’s column, however, is not just a plea for help with Bark in the Park, but a recognition of all the great things people here are doing already, most with no recognition and no reward other than the self satisfaction they receive from helping others. It’s hard to know where to begin when recognizing these folks and I know I’ll miss countless people who contribute. Perhaps as you read what others are doing, you’ll recognize a way you can help using your time, special talent, or by donation. Opportunities to make a difference are unlimited.
How can volunteers make a difference? Well, start with “Lucky,” a dog found wandering the streets. Most likely, the first stop will be the shelter. The Director, Catherine Lee, and her staff will check for ID then, after the required number of days, place Lucky for adoption if he has not been claimed. As for helping at the shelter, Catherine states: “
We do have needs for volunteers at the
shelter for extra cleaning. As you may
know we are a bit low staffed at this time. So volunteers are always welcome!!
For the needs at the shelter, we always need bleach, laundry detergent, Purina
or Pedigree puppy food, Purina cat and kitten food, and the thick Lawn and leaf
bags.” The Angel Tree in Kroger at
Christmas time, a volunteer project for Junior Girl Scout Troop #703 led by Liz
Sheets, successfully collects many of these items for the Shelter, but please remember
that items are needed year round!
Next in Lucky’s journey may be a trip
to the Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic.
They have done a remarkable job in supplying low cost spay/neuter to
over 3300 animals in their first year of operation. Linda Clemons notes that, while there is
little opportunity for hands on work with the animals at the clinic, they are
always in need of help with outside projects.
She states “…we ask people who want to help to give us their email
addresses and we post an announcement when we need help.” Another example of how someone used his/her
special talent is seen in the lovely mural on the wall in the clinic. Many places might enjoy murals or just fresh
paint!
So Lucky now has a temporary home,
will no longer be able to contribute the overpopulation of unwanted pets, and
is waiting for a loving family in the area to adopt him. What happens if that family doesn’t show up
(they don’t know what they missed!)? For
some dogs, breed rescue groups will take the dog for a longer period of time
than the Shelter can provide. Some of
these groups may be located in the area, but Lucky’s is out of state. Before he can join them, he must first spend
two weeks out of the shelter and in a foster home. We are blessed to have some wonderful
temporary homes which provide that grace period. Supplies, transportation, and
support for Lucky are provided to the foster homes, they supply shelter, care,
and love. Not an easy job, loving a dog
for only a brief period of time, but worth it when you realize there is a
family waiting to be his forever home. (Note:
Lucky began his journey north last week
to become a service dog for a disabled person.
Not bad for a previously unwanted dog!)
The last set of volunteers on Lucky’s
journey will be the walkers at a transport company who will give him one more
chance to stretch his legs before beginning the long journey to his new home.
They know Lucky is just that – lucky to have a chance at a new life through the
efforts of so many caring volunteers.
Requirements to volunteer? Time – as
little or as much as you can spare.
Talent – everyone has a unique gift that can be used. Abilities – there
is no age limit or physical fitness requirement. Money – whatever you can spare. Volunteer!
You’ll get back far more than you give.
Jan Casey is a local reward-based
trainer and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services. You can email questions to her at jan@smilesandwags.com .