How to give back? Volunteering in animal shelters

I started volunteering as a dog walker in animals shelters when I was studying in Gdansk and my family dog stayed in my hometown. I couldn’t have my own dog with me, yet I missed being around dogs. I remember the minute I learnt that my beloved Kato (aka Kiciuś) passed away. After initial bawling, I called my cousin and my friend and we went to the animal shelter to walk the dogs. I felt the need to be near other dogs. Being with animals always makes me happy. I felt like I was doing the right thing, giving them a highlight of their day when I take them out of kennels. I felt sad and on a verge of crying but those waggy tails and warm noses kept me smiling!

It's not the easiest thing to visit an animal shelter knowing that you can’t save all of the animals there. My very first visit when I was a child, I run away from there crying! After a couple of years, my friend told me that she is a volunteer. She asked me if I wanted to be one too. I was scared I will cry again but I went there anyway. The beginning was difficult, the dogs were greeting us from every corner and how was I supposed to choose one to walk? She took one and we went out. Seeing the dogs happy made all the difference! I refocused my thinking. I stopped thinking about how many dogs I cannot save. I started to think about the fabulous time I give those dogs that I can take out. I focus on the value I can provide. I can be a highlight of their day, it’s worth a lot!

Another incredible thing that I have done is dog training workshops organised in animal shelters. It’s such an amazing way to learn dog training skills while giving great time to the dogs and teaching them valuable skills in the making. It has the potential to increase the likelihood of them getting adopted! I’ve been on practical dog training workshop in Cheltenham, the UK, organised by Puppy School and in Windsor, UK organised by Sarah Whitehead. Incredibly valuable and educational experiences!

With the global restrictions placed as a result of COVID-19 it might be difficult to do that now depending on where you are. If your country and laws allow you to walk the dogs, that could be a great way to get a walk. If the shelters are not allowing walks at this difficult time, maybe you can find someone who is on quarantine with a dog and can’t walk him by himself? There are Facebook groups designed to help find people who are ready to help. Dogs need walks and quarantine isn’t going to stop that. In this difficult time we can find a way to help others, humans and animals alike. Focus on what you can give, even if it seems small. It’s not small for the individual you gifted.

Stay safe and healthy!

Be a superhero for dogs and people, they will love/appreciate you for it!