Animal shelter volunteering!

If you're taking the time to read my blog, why not take some time to help out the less fortunate animals in your local animal shelter? I'm not saying go bring home a dog or a cat (but if you want to, by all means do it). I'm suggesting something a little simpler, but still brings joy to an animal's day. Go over and volunteer a little of your time.

I brought up the idea of volunteering at the animal shelter my sister works at to my sorority a few months ago (we're a community service sorority, and we like to think up new and interesting service projects), and everyone seemed to like the idea. We went this past weekend, and it was so much fun! All the dogs and cats we got to play with were friendly, and definitely enjoyed the attention. Some of the stories I heard about these poor animals really upset me. Like Champ, for instance. He's a 10 year old mixed breed dog, and he was so eager to get out and get petted, and go for a walk. He was one of the sweetest dogs there! His original owners bought him as a guard dog for a farm, and when they moved, they left him there. I just don't understand people who would do something like that to a defenseless dog. He's alive too, just like you and I, and he has feelings and needs too. There were so many cats and kittens there as well, and even a bunny. I was raised with animals- we've always had at least two pets at our house ever since I can remember, and I was raised to treat animals with love and respect. My mom always reminded us to "take care of the little ones first"- whether it was when we got home from grocery shopping and needed to let the dogs out, or to make sure we remembered to feed the fish every morning... it taught my sister and I a sense of responsibility. You would think that most adults would have that sense of responsibility, especially for a pet, knowing that it needs to be taken care of. Sadly, a lot of people just can't be bothered to care for their pets.

So, go visit an animal shelter, if you're a pet person. Go hug a cat, give a dog a walk and some treats. Even if you're just donating old blankets and towels, every little bit helps to make life better for an abandoned dog or cat.

Alright, I'll step off my soap box now. Expect a much less serious ramble tomorrow.