 |
| Here is the class getting a feel for what it is like to be in one of the kennels that holds a dog. "Photo courtesy of Mary Shannon Johnstone ©2012" |
On Wednesday May 9th the class and I went to an orientation at the Wake County Animal Shelter where we were given a run down of what we will be doing as volunteers and other volunteer duties offered by the shelter. We were also given a tour of the shelter. I learned a lot about the shelter and the laws about animals that the county has. For example I learned that this year the shelter will receive approximately 17,00 animals. Also that the shelters goal is disease control among animals in the community and they work with outside partners to find the animals good homes. There are also many different ways the public can help the shelter out by either volunteering, becoming a foster parent to an animal or adopting one of the wonderful animals at the shelter!
When at the shelter I had a really good experience and it made me want to start volunteering right away! Here is a list of what my senses experienced:
Smell:
- Cleaner
- Dogs
- Dog food
- Cats
- Cat food
- Some dog poop
Sight:
- Lots of dogs
- Cages/Kennels
- Lots of Cats
- Kittens
- Rabbit
- Hamsters
- Vets
- Volunteers
- General Public
- Offices
- Lots of people who really care for these animals
Sound:
- Barking
- Meows
- People talking
- Cages rattling
In the shelter I imagine that the animals maybe feel scared, alone, nervous, and just want to be loved. Even though the shelter does a wonderful job of taking care of these animals and give the animals all they can; there is nothing like that animal having an owner, getting out of those kennels, having their own home/yard to run around in, and the love of their owner. It is amazing what these wonderful individuals do for these animals and all the hard work they put in to caring for these animals. I cannot wait to work with this wonderful center and the wonderful people that work there! I also can't wait to be a part of this and to be making a change in these animals lives!
 | |||
| This is Amanda giving us all the volunteer information and getting us prepared for our tour of the shelter. "Photo Courtesy of Mary Shannon Johnstone ©2012 |
 |
| This is me saying hello to one of the cats in the shelter. "Photo courtesy of Mary Shannon Johnstone ©2012" |
 |
| Brittany, Bailey, and me talking to one of the wonderful dogs in the shelter. "Photo courtesy of Mary Shannon Johnstone ©2012" |
Kayley, I can agree that I too learned a great deal during our orientation as we learned the rules of the shelter. I found the number 17,000 animals to be overwhelming. I was stunned when I heard that number! I liked that you talked about the animals feelings such as nervous, alone, and scared. I can only imagine how they must feel in the cages and wanting a passerby's attention. I also liked the way you informed the public about what they can do to help with the Wake County Animal Center!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful observations. I agree that the number 17,000 per year is a difficult one to comprehend. It makes me think "where are they all coming from?"! Do any of you have any ideas?
DeleteKayley, I am glad that we all got to go to the orientation. I learned so much about the shelter. I was shocked when I heard that 17,000 animals are received at the shelter every year. I also did not realize that Wake County Animal Shelter acted as a HUB and all the animals can through their first before going to the SPCA. I agree that the orientation was very valuable!
ReplyDelete