The Volunteer Mindset

I think that becoming a volunteer at the animal shelter is easy. All you need is the correct mindset, which can be accomplished with 2 easy steps. 

1. You have to know that you cannot bring home every animal that may "need" you. I struggled with this for awhile, but we had a mean dog that wouldn't allow me to bring every pet home. I, finally, realized that the animals did need me, but didn't need me to bring them all home. They needed me to be their voice to help them find furrever homes. When you see them in the kennel week after week, you quickly realize that you have to step up to help them. 

2. You have to be dedicated. You need to find time to go out and volunteer. You cannot be absent. You can't let seeing them sad in their kennels stop you from coming out. The animals rely upon the volunteers to be there. They are stuck in a kennel all day long. They need someone who is dedicated to come out and let them run and play. They need someone who can give them the extra love and care that they need. They rely upon the volunteers to care for them in this aspect. You have to be dedicated.

I feel that once you have your mind in the right space, then it is easy to become a volunteer. We accept any and everyone at the shelter. We need all the help in the world! We have a volunteer orientation every 3rd Sunday of the month. Volunteer orientation will be this March 15. 

-Sam