5:18pm
Nostalgia
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“NOSTALGIA”
Hi, my name is Shirley Jung, and I’m a volunteer at Little Shelter. I was born in Huntington and have lived there all of my 64 years. I have known of the Little Shelter since 1950. Since it’s only a mile or so from my house I walked there with my friends after school to see the dogs. It’s always been a very pleasant place to visit, but in my later years I really enjoy and appreciate it so much more. Not only to see the animals but also the property itself. When you are walking in “Sheltervale Pet Cemetery” it is so peaceful and lovely with its big trees, you would think you were in the middle of a forest. This is where we walk the dogs. In the winter months it is very sunny and in the summer it is very shaded, with benches placed around so we can sit and bond with our furry friends. I buried my loyal, loving friend “Lucky” there in1996. Now that I am volunteering I can visit her every time I walk dogs in the cemetery. There also is a big fenced hill behind the cemetery where we can take a dog and let them loose to run around and get much needed exercise.
My uncle also worked for the shelter many years back, doing carpentry, painting, and various maintenance work for the lady that at that time ran the shelter. I also adopted a dog, “Copper”, at that time.
One of the great features is the “Animal Sanctuary” in upstate New York. They have lifetime care for the dogs that are difficult to adopt and have lived at “Little Shelter” for a long time. This enables the dogs to have more freedom by living in a house environment rather than a cage for the rest of their lives. They receive 24 hr. care and are given training, socialization with hopes of someday being adoptable. Little Shelter is still in the long process of expanding this facility and is in much need of funding for the completion of this sanctuary. I think this is the greatest thing they have done for these poor unfortunate dogs that have been over-looked for one reason or another. They can live their lives out in a pleasant environment with people who take great care of them and love them.
When I started volunteering it seemed like old home to me, since I’ve been around the shelter for so many years. I truly enjoy working with the dogs and cats. I love them all and it gives me such a great feeling in my heart to be able to be around them and give them the love and attention they truly need.
I also enjoy working with all the people involved with the “Little Shelter”. Everyone is very friendly and it’s just such an enjoyable atmosphere.
I just had the opportunity to help out one of the manager’s that teaches dog education to the children in the schools in the different communities. We took a puppy with us that everyone enjoyed very much. I was very happy to be part of this program and look forward to being more involved in the future.
I can’t say enough nice things about the “Little Shelter” and I am so glad I’m a part of it.
