For the Love of Animals

As some people may know, I have had the pleasure of volunteering for a no kill pet shelter in the Los Angeles area. It’s not glamorous charity work, but the recipients give back to me with a love and kindness that is too few and far between in the human world. Cats and dogs are the animals that my particular shelter caters to and they are lucky animals. The people running the place consider their adoptions and also their lives at the shelter, whether it be in the kennel, or in cattery, to be of ultimate importance.

My contributions have been minimal over the 2 years that I have been involved with them. Sometimes I think of it as more therapeutic for me then beneficial for the animals. Although I have two cats of my own, I didn’t often feel that I was giving back to soceity. What more, I didn’t know what I had to give and was at a loss to find it. A dear friend suggested this shelter. It was without the stress of dealing with terminal illness that some volunteers encounter on a daily basis, plus it did not have a human factor that could be incredibley emotional. Strangely enough, it proved to be emotional anyway. I saw and understood the sort of daily struggles that are faced to keep a small number of the immense population of dogs and cats from euthanasia.

Cut to: ME GETTING ON SOAPBOX

“PLEASE HAVE YOUR ANIMALS SPAYED OR NEUTERED TO PREVENT FURTHER, NEEDLESS ANIMAL DEATHS”

ME GETTING OFF SOAPBOX

During my childhood my parents encouraged our involvment as a family, and as individuals in charity work. I don’t think they did it consciously, but somehow I came the conclusion that my money was worth something to research organizations like The American Cancer Soceity, but so was my time. Therefore it was natural to prepare and serve Christmas meals when that holiday didn’t coincide with Hanukkah. Or to go help out a toy drive by wrapping gifts if I had extra hours during High School. It’s why several years ago I took part in the Breast Cancer 3 Day event(an incredible, life-affirming, powerful event). I’m glad to have these experiences, it has made me a more well-rounded person and more appreciative of what life has afforded me. It’s why I give of myself, along with the money. Yes, volunteering is selfish...teeheehee!

Don’t imagine that the shelter employees have time each day, to pet and talk to each and every animal that walks through the door. There are behavior specialists and veterinarians, but on a day to day basis, we volunteers fill the gap by socializing the animals and preparing them for that special day that they will be taken home. We teach the dogs to sit and not to bark in their kennels. Take them on walks while they learn proper leash ettiquette. We take the time to sit with the cats, stoke them, play with them, or coax the particularly shy ones out of hidding.

I am thinking of having my birthday party at the shelter. Inviting my friends to help with cleaning up the kennels or whatever the shelter needs. Or maybe having a day out at the beach for a Coastal Cleanup if animals prove not to be everyone’s cup of tea. I’m really liking the idea of a volunteer day for my birthday this year. It’s personal to me, much more so then some party (not that last year wasn’t great). It feels good to me in a different way then the parties, and that is a feeling that I want to share.

Look up, look out from your own life and see what is around. See if there is something you can do for your fellow human being or animal. It could be small, but it makes a significant difference. Please don’t wait for a special occasion, like a holiday or a birthday. Everyday, can be the time to discover something new about yourself, and others. Volunteer.