Volunteering: First Day At The Shelter

This past Sunday was my first official day as a Williamson County Animal Control & Adoption Center volunteer! I had orientation the week before, and Sunday was  my one-on-one training with a senior volunteer (She was super awesome, and very helpful!). I have to say, it was so much fun!!! I have been wanting to volunteer at an animal shelter for a while now, but I wasn't sure how to go about doing that. I was originally looking for a Pit Bull rescue to volunteer for, but I couldn't find one that was close enough that actually housed the dogs. And since I already have two large dogs of my own, it wouldn't be fair to try and foster another big doggie. But a few weeks ago I found out that this shelter was looking for volunteers and I signed up! And I'm so happy I did. 

 

Mallory - Available for adoption  

This shelter is great! They have a lot of Pit Bulls (one of my favorite!) and lots of other dogs that really need the help. From what I have seen so far most of what the volunteers do is feed/water/clean/ and most often walk the dogs. (They also have a lot of cats there, but I haven't worked with any of them yet.) Walking the dogs was a lot of hard work, but it was also a ton of fun! These sweet doggies spend most of the day in the kennels, so its a real treat whenever volunteers come to walk them around the complex. 

There is a really nice little walking trail that goes around the grounds. And there is aslo a fenced in dog park for the public, as well as a few other fenced in areas just for the shelter dogs. I think its wonderful that the shelter dogs not only get to go out for walks, but also get to have some safe, off leash time as well (they can only go in one at a time for safety reasons). I could not believe how much the dogs lit up when it was their turn to be taken out for a walk. I guess its what they look forward to the most every day. So I am beyond happy to be getting to volunteer here and help these dogs get ready for their forever homes. 

Sheila - Available for adoption

The other great thing about having all the volunteers take the dogs out is that its a great way for the dogs to become used to all sorts of different people. They spend so much of the day in kennels that it can become very scary and stressful for some dogs. By being taken out of that environment for a while and walked by different people they are given a chance to calm down and get used to being around many different humans. This makes them better candidates for adoption. And that is the number one goal. To get these sweet babies adopted into loving and responsible homes. All of the dogs I have encountered so far have been so sweet and deserve another chance at finding a family that will love and care for them the way they deserve.

 

Ralph - Available for Adoption

My next volunteer day is Sunday and I can't wait! It looks like every Sunday I am able to, from 10-noon (this is the only window of time volunteers are able to come in and walk the dogs) I will be at the shelter helping with the dogs. I promised Paul I wouldn't bring home any furry friends. But its going to be a challenge keeping this promise, they are all so cute!!! But we do want to get another doggie after we get married (in November) and move in together. But we will probably have to get a bigger place before that happens. But a girl can dream! I would love nothing more than to have a big huge fenced in yard with a bunch of fluffy doggies running around! Haha! 

I am really happy to be volunteering at this shelter. Both my dogs are rescues, and Axle came from a shelter, so I know how important it is to all of these dogs that people are coming in and helping take care of them. I was so lucky to be able to adopt both of my dogs, so this I guess is my way of saying thank you to all the shelter workers who take care of these sweet dogs and dedicate so much of their own lives to helping them find  loving homes.

Fred - Available for adoption

Have you ever volunteered or worked at an animal shelter? Have any of your pets come from a shelter or other rescue? What have been your experiences with animal shelters? Leave us a note in the comments below! I love hearing all of your stories about your pets! 

Looking for a new furry friend in the greater Nashville area? Hop over to Williamson County Animal Control & Adoption Center's Petfinder page! or check out their website if you are interested in volunteering yourself! They are always looking for help!