Posted by: "Tammy Kinkade" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Oh Pat! You and I are in the same boat! I volunteered at our local shelter
for the exact same reasons...and they were thrilled! They already knew me
from a rescue I got out of the shelter for them (it was a big, ugly
Dane/Saint Bernard mix, but he was sweet and we weren't going to sit around
and wait for him to get euthanized...). They knew that since I was their
contact for Danes and that I already had 2, that I could handle the big dogs
without any problems. Until I started working this week, I was going over 2
afternoons a week and walking and playing with the poor babies.
I thought it would be really difficult - it is not a no-kill shelter. They
used to have the best adoption rate in the state, though, until neighboring
counties realized just that...most people know that their own counties
euthanize in 3-5 days if a dog or pup is not claimed or adopted. Defiance's
only euthanizes if an animal bites, shows severe aggression, becomes to ill
to treat, or if they simply run out of room. Unfortunately, the instances
of running out of room have now gone up and their euthanization rate has
gone up...
I really thought I'd have a hard time...worrying that each dog I walked,
loved on, played with, would be put down. But I found that the joy I bring
them far outweighs any worry I had about things. They're so grateful for
some time, no matter how little it is.
It will definitely make you feel good about what you're doing! Good luck!
Tammy Kinkade
Defiance, Ohio
w/the brat bunch - Hoss & Samson the Great Danes and Pooh the no-maintenance
Dane wannabe
