I don't know how you do it...

Being a volunteer at a high intake animal shelter is much like riding a roller coaster.  You have your up and your down days.  There are moments when a dog you have worked with and shared numerous times, finally gets adopted to a perfect family and you couldn't be happier.  Then, there are days when it seems it couldn't get any worse and then some one else comes and surrenders there two senior pitties.  It is constant good and bad days and it can not only be physically exhausting walking the dogs, but emotionally and mentally.  I have come home many days and cried wishing I could have stayed longer and got a few more out.  I share my stories with my friends, family, co-workers and it is ALWAYS, "I don't know how you do it."  

Honestly there are some days when I don't know how I do it.  It has been a long week at work, I haven't cleaned my house, I haven't spent time with my friends, family or my own dog.  None of that seems to matter on Sundays.  That is the one day that I can devote to those precious faces and not think about real life.  I can be in the moment with each dog I spend time with.  Give them my 100% focus and attention. How will the dogs get to stretch their legs and get some fresh air if I don't go?  I get to be around other volunteers who take pride in being able to help the homeless dogs of KC.  It's not only the dogs, but other volunteers who depend on me to be there.  It is a team effort and I so wish more people wanted to be a part of it.

Each week I get to meet new faces and personalities.  It is amazing what you can learn from just a 10 minute walk.  Are they scared, housetrained, have so much energy they don't know what to do with it?  I try as often as I can to take a video of them and then write a bio about them.  My hope is that it might help them get a second chance in a new home.  These dogs are so appreciative and it is awesome to get those hugs and licks on the face.  

There are also those dogs that you continue to see each week, who have been trying to be patient and wait for that perfect family to pick them.  Those are the ones I truly go back for every week.  It has been months now and these dogs are stressed and not showing well in their cages.  They need the extra love and attention.  They need someone to speak for them and spread the word to potential adopters on why they are so fantastic and deserve a home like all the rest of them.  

Olivia is Fantastic!

Beautiful Norma Jean!

After being a volunteer for so long, you unfortunately see how cruel and ignorant people really are.  Dogs are living, breathing animals and it is amazing what kind of shape some of our KCMO dogs are in when they arrive at the shelter.  It is heartbreaking and sad, but that makes me want to volunteer that much more.  To show these animals that all people aren't bad.  That is why and how I do it every week.  To be an advocate for the animals and make sure they know how special they each are.  

If you want to get involved, please take some time to watch this video and learn more about how you can help KC Pet Project...