We stopped at Petsmart a few weeks ago to pick-up some dog treats and they were holding open adoptions that day. The store was filled with dogs, just waiting to be adopted. I could not help but notice all of the patient volunteers sitting there with each animal, holding them, petting them, taking them outside. These volunteers were probably the closest thing these animals had to a real human bond. I saw one puppy, a beautiful green eyed lab/collie mix that I wanted to take home immediately, but I knew as a responsible pet owner that we do not have anymore space or time for another dog. Charlie is enough as it is. I actually considered at one point in my mind, taking all the animals home, quitting my job and creating a makeshift dog hotel. Unfortunately, that would not work out either.
After petting a few lonely dogs, I decided that I could also invest my time as a volunteer to help these animals. I approached one volunteer and asked her how she liked her job and more details of how I could also sign-up. The Arizona Animal Welfare League is the organization that helps these animals. You can learn more by visiting their website www.aawl.org. All you need to do is sign-up for a volunteer orientation and attend a few classes to learn more about behavior and expectations. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, I am signed up to attend my first class this Saturday, August 8th to get this ball rolling. I am very excited to learn more and have the opportunity to help less fortunate dogs feel loved. I have a lot of love to spread in this world, plenty to give out to animals without homes or owners!