Over the past years I have always mentioned how I wanted to start a run group from the NSPCA. I kept talking about it and thinking about how great it would be. I recently had some time to begin the process of putting this dream into reality. Little did I know how it would impact me on a personal level. I have not even yet started my run group but I have started volunteering at the Nevada SPCA to walk dogs. I figured I would become familiar with the shelter and dogs before beginning the run group. I can't believe I put this off for so long! It is amazing how much I look forward to going to the shelter and am disappointed when I don't have time to go there. I enjoy walking the dogs so much I wish I would have done it a long time ago. Many times I go walk dogs and go into the shelter looking for a dog I previously walked only to find they are gone. This is bittersweet because although I want to see them I am so happy they are adopted. I already have so many great images of spending time with these special creatures in my head. I initially was so sad to leave the shelter and now I am so excited to get there and can't wait to come back. I had NO idea that a simple idea for a run group would bring me so much joy AND I haven't even started running with any of the dogs. Today I walked a energetic lab mix named Terry, two older beagles named Betsy and Buddy, and an energetic so ugly he's cute patches. I got one step closer to a terrified Guadalupe. He was found in a car and is frightened by everyone but today he licked my finger! He took food from my hand. Each day I see him he comes out of his shell a little more. I went to the shelter today looking for Bellagio and Pupcake. Pupcake is a 3 legged puppy I spent time with the other day. Both were gone and adopted! These dogs are in a situation that is not their fault. I feel more compassion for these amazing animals then I do for any human. A human is in a bad situation in most cases because they have made bad decisions. These dogs have been put in this situation because humans once again made bad decisions. If I can give them 20 minutes of pleasure and love I will and I get as much out of it as they do. Its a two way street. If you ever have considered volunteering at a shelter then don't put it off. If you have not done it because you think you will want to take all of them home then change your mindset! You need to go their knowing your time is best spent loving them for that short time. You can't save them all but you can give them some love for the time you are there. If you want to do something and keep talking about it, quit talking and do it!
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