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Hi Cheryl!
On Wednesday,I spent the entire day at the shelter walking dogs all day long.They close up the kennels for an hour so the dogs can get their dinner,so I went into visit the Cats for that hour.I had a fantastic day doing this!!
The week days don't get near enough volunteers,because people are working,so it was a good time to go and help out.
It's amazing how the dog's know why you're there.They saw me with the leash in hand and just waited in anticipation,some very calm and wiggling their tails,while others were bouncing off the Kennels barking,"Me Next,Pick Me!" lol
I started out small,but being that our shelter is a majority of Pit Bulls and Bully breed mixes,even the little dogs were strong.
These dog's had the most affectionate behaviors,full of kisses and licks,and the majority of them did really well with the Martingale collars and their "walking behavior"
I stopped at each dog's ID papers,and it was really hard to deal with some of the reasons that they were there.
I focused on the "Second Chance thoughts",and that today was going to be a good day for them,and maybe tomorrow an even better day,for that's all that you can really do to get through it.
The only time that it was a bit rough was when I saw a "good old girl" They had her listed as being nine,but I would have guessed more. She was a smaller mixed breed,her teeth were old and yellow,her black face mostly highlighted in gray,and I'm almost positive that she was deaf. Someone had just abandoned her,and that was that.It broke my heart to think that this little girl was a pet for so long,only to end up at the shelter at this late point in her life.She just had such a look of being so left down..
Anyway,I can only hope that someone thinks like me and that she'll be adopted when I get back tomorrow.
On a good note,Wednesday evening is Bunny Orientation.I saw those guys in action,and it was a hoot!!! I'll be looking forward to that.

I was just about to inquire also, hadn't heard from you. Glad you are enjoying it and keep that thought that tomorrow someone may adopt the good ole girl.

I'm so glad to hear that you are having such a good time. I know what you mean about how excited the dogs get. I Saw that at the City pound too. It breaks my heart to hear about the old abandoned dog. Two of my fosters were exactly like that. 10 years of bad care and then dump them. My poor Banjo who died this week had that life too. In fact Darla my only 'officially' adopted dog was a pet for 9 years... from puppyhood, but was dumped because they were moving. The excuse that pisses me off the most.

Anyway, keep up the good work and enjoy those little sweeties as much as they enjoy you!

Thank you for asking Deedee.
Saturday was my orientation for both Cat Cuddling and Dog Walking.As my luck would have it I was running in an out puking through the whole orientation(All 5 hours)
I am still not out of the woods(Bleeding Ulcer probs)
Anyway,I was glad that I hung in there and I'm really hoping to go down and do some volunteer time tomorrow morning.
I did get to meet the animals,and it's amazing and sad that they know that people are there to walk them.Some were sitting real still & wagging tails in anticipation,while others were diving off the sides of the wall,so very excited.So many Pit Bull mixes that were beautiful and loving,and funny enough,a Beagle scared the crap out of me!
As I was leaving,I got to see the "Bunny Buddies" in action.lol They bring them all up to this window enclosed room and have all sorts of tubes and toys for them to play with.As sick as I was,I couldn't help but laugh at the Bunnies hopping every which way.It was hilarious.
Oh,and I did pretty good,there were only about 5 dogs that I wanted to bring home. lol

Thanks for the update. all things aside (you being ill) sounds like it went pretty good. You ONLY wanted to take home five! :~)

rakubu,you said that so well-thank you.!
These are things that I do know and realize,but I am very vulnerable emotionally right now,and that does concern me a bit.
I think I'll be fine after the initial start up,if I continue to remind myself of the basics that you've mentioned.I never seem to give myself the credit that I am stronger than I think.
I would love to add your comment to my pick list.So many people put off helping because they think that they don't have enough of time,money,etc.,and reminding us that each small contribution made,does go to helping in some way.You remind us that the help need not be huge,but just help.
Thank you....

Exactly! If everyone did something, even something that might seem minute to them, it creates something bigger. It's a string on the big ball of yarn. It's karma - pull here, make something happen there. Start slowly, take a deep breath and stick your toe in the water. If it becomes too much, back up, breath and take another run at it. If you find that you just can't be an animal volunteer, donate your time in other ways. Help at fundraisers, stuff envelopes, solicit donations. It all matters.

PJW,I totally understand your fears,but I say "Go for it". After all,it is Volunteer time,and if it does overwhelm you,you can just step back at any given time.
Read Rakubu's comments,every little bit helps,and you just may be a little tougher than you know.
Good luck!

You are absolutely correct 3devinecats. I can always step back and regroup. Thank you.

Please read my comments above. I bet you are stronger than you think.

You said it very well, indeed. I just cry so easy now and so much. Perhaps this would make me stronger. I think what will get me there is the thought that a lot of them have suffered and need a loving touch. I do have a lot of love. My losses made me realize that animals are not my whole life but they do make my life whole (and they are a large part of my life).

I saw the animals on Saturday and my first feeling was of heart ache.I can't think that way though.You have to really look at these animals as having a second chance-a new beginning.I tried to focus on the fact that they weren't on the streets,and they were being fed and getting medical treatment,so that was a good thing to focus on instead of the sad parts.That's a great start at changing their lives for the better.

Hey Sheri,we can only do what we can do.Just helping with a bag of Kibble on occasion is a huge deal.Most people don't even do that,and each morsel contributes to their well being.
I too am a huge wildlife person,so it's great to hear that you're also helping the locals around your house. When I had the house,I spent a small fortune on feeding the animals.Anything from birds,to Raccoons and Opossums(Their decision) lol
I've also saw Turkey,a Deer wearing a red collar and bell,(No,I was not drunk) Bats,and once the bird seed attracted a few pigeons from a local hospital,and unfortunately attracted a "passing by" Golden Eagle that gave me a picture in my mind that I'll never forget.
Funny thing about it all is that I live in the city!!! About 10 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh! lol So I am lucky.I can still do the wildlife and yet be close enough to help the shelter. lol

I also live approx. 10 min from"downtown" and I have seen around my house the raccoons, opossum, deer, rabbits. squirrels, numerous "large' predator birds, wild turkey, etc, etc. So I definitely know where your coming from here! Most think live around a large city and there is no wildlife.

So far since we lived her,we moved in last nov.I seen a fox,deer no red collars or bells:),hawks,bunch of turtles,all kinds of wild birds,coons,skunks,chipmonks,swans in the little lake,ducks,the prettiest black dragon flies with black velvet looking wings.It seems everday I see something new.

hahahah! I forgot about bunnies,chipmunks,etc.No Turtles,but I have seen a salamander or two-, No swans,but we do have a ton of Sea Gulls that fly around here,and lots of geese in our little park's cement pond.
See we're like Green Acres in the city! lol
BTW,Coyotes were spotted out North Park,and that's only a stone throw away!

Hey Patty,I totally understand where you're coming from.For years I've worked 7days on and 7 off,and 80 plus hours shift's,so even on my "off week" I just couldn't find the strength.Turned out I was pretty sick and actually was legit about the being tired part.lol
Anyway,I've been off work for medical,in litagition with the hospital that I worked for,and basically watching my life falling apart,and it's driving me crazy!!! So I finally do have the time right now,and I figure that it may also help keep me sane and console me at the same time. lol
Anyway,I understand your job,and I'm positive that at some point,I will run into you!

Thanks for your input Cheryl.I always enjoy hearing of other's experiences.
Between dealing with my pets,my ferals,etc., I'm pretty confident that things will come natural for me-(must have been an animal or a zookeeper in another life)lol
I know someone that's worked at our shelter for a while now,and have heard some of the stories,so I kind of know what to expect anyway.We'll just see how strong I really am I guess.The hardest part for me will be the pain.It breaks me up when I see senseless abuse and suffering

Thank you Dear,I hope you're right.
I was involved in my own little feral cat colony ,for a few years,and I've done donations and stuff,but never the actual shelter help.
I was just kidding about the hoarding,unless I really go off the deep end,which I guess is always possible. lol
I'm having fun right now making up a basket of sorts to take.I bought some catnip toys,and a dozen bandana's for my furried friends,and will continue to add in more.I start the 19th,and I'm getting really excited Deedee!
I miss owning a dog.Mine died a few years back,and when I went from a house to an Apt.,I went to owning all cats.Walking the doggies will be so much fun for me!!!

And don't forget, you can solve a lot of issues by just remembering to sit back and breathe sometimes...take a breath and just breathe and put everything in its place. It's all good.

Thanks Kim! You know something......It's been a lot of years since I "took a breath".Funny how sometimes we forget about ourselves.