Bad Volunteer....

I generally don't make resolutions, because I don't believe in setting myself up for failure. I like to have goals all of the time, so that every step toward that goal is a win, no matter what day of the year it is! With that being said...

I was a really bad animal rescue volunteer over the past couple of months, and I didn't show my face at the rescue ONCE! It wasn't because of weather, or being too busy...it was just sheer laziness.

I had really been wanting to get back to the shelter, but I had been gone so long...I felt guilty just showing back up. But just as the universe does, it opens doors for you when you ask for them to be opened. There was a group walk for the dog walkers/trainers this past weekend, and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get back at it.

The dog trainer was on the walk, so I took out some really hard cases so that the trainer could help me get approved for walking the tougher cases on my own. These are the dogs that people don't tend to adopt because they are hard to handle, or have "no manners".

I learned how to control a 100lb dog, who was afraid of noises, barked at the other dogs, and pulled constantly simply by the placement of his leash, and a flick of my wrist.

This is also something I learned in my MMA classes...if you control someones head, you can control their entire body! It's amazing!

I am happy to be back to doing what makes me feel accomplished, while making my heart smile.

Plus, I got to meet, and play with the cutest puppy in the universe afterwards. It was a great reminder as to why spending time at the rescue is important to me. I get my kitten and puppy fix without having to take them home. I know that they are well cared for with the staff and volunteers, until they find homes... and in the meantime..I get to enjoy them and help them get adopted!

Cat Lady Problems...

So I come home from a long day of work, and working out, and this little kitten is curled up smack in the middle of my front door mat, waiting for me to feel sorry for it. Animals have sucker radar.

Ugh. For as much as I love animals, I've been pretty lucky with strays. The last stray cat I happened upon years ago, exmanfriend adopted, and just like that, problem solved!

Of course, I scooped this little guy up, and took him out back and gave him a can of cat food.

He barely came up for air while chowing down. I knew right then...that this cat was not going away.  I petted him and talked to him, and when I went inside....he cried outside my windows.

He pulled at my heart strings. Since I volunteer at a rescue, I already have to deal with everyone I know wanting to dump strays off on me. It's hard to say no.

But, I already have 4 senior cats, that aren't vaccinated, and one more cat, let alone a stray kitten is just not an option for me.

So, I'm doing the next best thing to taking him in. I'm going to take him into the semi-feral cat program at the rescue and get him neutered on the cheap, and set him back out to roam.

I will still try to find someone to adopt him, but even a cat lady has to know when to say "when". And at least I'll know I did my part to stop the cat over-population!

Giving Back By Volunteering!

Since I'm blissfully child-free, and single, with no dating prospects, and there is a summer of beautiful weather ahead of me, and I have a desire to do more and be more... I asked myself what more can I do? 

Something that wouldn't feel like an obligation...

Well, I am a big supporter of my local animal rescue, because they saved my Mr. Magoo from puppy mill hell, and gave him a safe place, until he found his forever home, with me! And I often visit the rescue to pet the cats, and dogs, and I love the work that they do. It's a no-kill shelter, and that is a total win with me!

Mr. Magoo's happiest after a trip to the dog park! 

So, this girl is officially the newest volunteer at said rescue! 

It was a totally serious undertaking. I had to fill out an application, and have an interview, just like a real job. And I was so totally nervous until, my interview included two tiny senior chihuahua's climbing my legs for attention, which I could not resist, and I lavished attention on those little dogs while answering questions. It was so up my alley! 

I offered my poop scooping, cat petting, animal bathing, administrative, and even event organization skills...but what what really caught my eye, and was most in need, was DOG WALKING. 

Score! 

There are so many dogs that need walked, and RUN, and most volunteers only get 15-20 minutes with a dog. And the dogs are left still with all sorts of energy and nothing to do with it, so they sadly circle their enclosures out of boredom. Poor little things. 

Run you say? I'm all over it!! My dog can't run, so I am going to run those dogs' little buns off, and get extra cardio in the meantime! What could be more perfect for me?

I have to take two classes before I start, an orientation, and a dog training class. 

But I sure can't wait until I am helping those doggies find their forever homes! 

For the first time in a long time, I am excited about something. I will have a part in helping these dogs be placed in homes, by tiring them out, and socializing them

This summer is really going to be rewarding. I can't wait until my first dog gets adopted!