To those who have lost their bambinis and bambinos.

[roody]

Having lost 3 dogs in 3 years, I decided to take a break from dog ownership and began to volunteer at the animal shelter. It is so much fun. After attending orientation, I can go in when it is open and pet cats, walk dogs, and play with dogs. I am now a member of the Pit Bull Crew. Two times a week we have an obedience and socialization class with the many pits and pit mixes at the shelter. I am learning so much about dog behavior and training. I can't get a dog or I will stop volunteering. Those shelter animals need the volunteer attention. I still have my freedom yet get lots of interaction with animals. Just wanted to share this idea.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. That is a wonderful idea, and I would guess that you and the babies that you

are helping benefit mutually...
They give so much love to anyone who shows them even the littlest bit of it.

[RedLetterRev]

2. What a wonderful, loving thing to do!

Those furkids really need some human interaction. The loneliness and boredom damage so many that it takes years to undo some of the habits they get in "juvie" before they're whole and sane again. What you're doing is being an angel and doing Loving Spirit's work. The joy you're feeling is the love they're returning in gratitude. Folks like me who adopt when we can are eternally grateful to folks like you who give that extra love to keep those furkids whole and safe until we get there.

:hug: and thanks

[roody]

3. There is a cadre of young teenagers that go to

the shelter every day and tend to the inmates. Every dog gets walked and/or played with, bathed and babied almost every day. It is not a no-kill shelter, but they don't kill any dog that is remotely adoptable. What a great way to spend your summer vacation. School starting will infringe on the animals' attention.

[RedLetterRev]

4. We do what we can

no matter how much we wish it could be more. I can't tell you how many times I've wished I could jump through a xerox machine. Heinlein said "the more you love, the more you can love" and sometimes the flip-side of that is great heartbreak. But if our hearts didn't break sometimes, we wouldn't have known that we did it right.

[Muttocracy]

5. that's great - but you're at high risk of adopting!

I started volunteering and a dog came in around the same time. 6 months later, he was still there (had been adopted and returned briefly). I found a pet-friendly apartment and he came home. :) Started fostering dogs. Made it to #9 over several years and a couple of moves and volunteering at different shelters/rescue before dog #1 adopted my foster :)