An Ashlander’s experience making canine friends as a shelter volunteer has been a mixture of laughter, tears and deep affection
By Alexandra Paul
When I first started volunteering at the Jackson County Animal Shelter, which houses about 100 dogs, my friends looked at me pityingly: That must be so hard, seeing all those animals in cages, I could never do that, it would be too depressing.
What I quickly found is that the shelter is a place of high energy, positivity and so much love.
Oreo made me laugh my first day: a pit bull who loved to play in the big yard so much I had to lure him with food to get the leash back on.
He mischievously snatched an entire sandwich bag of treats from my hand and happily downed it, plastic and all (with no intestinal repercussions, luckily).
Dedicated staff
The dogs come in neglected, abandoned or as hungry strays, but the staff is passionate about making these pups as happy as possible.
I know this because whenever a kennel worker comes outside for a break and I walk by with a dog on our way to one of the six play areas, the pup will start wiggling and wagging to go say hi.
Just yesterday, I watched from afar as a burly, bearded worker knelt in front of a Great Pyrenees who had recently been admitted to the shelter.
He was gently stroking her thick fur and speaking softly to her as she sat looking directly into his eyes, like she could understand that he was reassuring her that everything was going to be OK.
Walks, treats, snuggles
The volunteers from Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS.org) work hard to get each dog ready for adoption with several 20-minute walks a day, treats, ball throwing, coat brushing or a snuggle on the sofa in the “cuddle room.” This helps relieve the stress of being in a kennel, which can be noisy and boring. And it and help dogs get ready to live in a home with a human family.
One volunteer, Allen, came in every day to sit with Barney, a black pit bull too timid at first to come out of his kennel. When he shared the news with me that Barney had been adopted, his lip quivered. With joy, yes, but also with regret that he did not get a chance to say goodbye to this gentle pup with whom he had bonded.
I know how he feels. Storm, a female Staffy/Labrador mix with pendulous nipples after several litters, wasn’t getting adopted. She was clearly depressed when she first came in. Eventually she started eating treats and playing with a ball. Storm was a favorite among the volunteers, and I would make sure to walk her every time I came.
Bittersweet parting
After five months at the shelter, she was adopted by a man who was so taken with her he ran to the office to fill out adoption paperwork. I cried when I heard, both thrilled for her and sad I was not there to give her a last hug. Luckily, Prue, a black Lab mix whom I walked right after I was told the great news, lay on my lap and licked my face as I wept.
My heart spills open every time I am with these dogs, and I am amazed that anyone would go to a breeder for a companion when they could come to the shelter for an animal who would be grateful for your love and care.
Consider a shelter adoption
Supporting the breeding industry — no matter how small and homey it is — means that there is one other animal, already born and now abandoned, who will not get a home. Most shelter animals are not purebreds. Mutts, however, are sturdier due to their diverse genetic makeup, with stronger immune systems and fewer inbreeding health issues.
Please come visit. The shelter, at 5595 S. Pacific Highway, Phoenix, is open every day except Monday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Dogs who have been at the shelter more than 100 days have their adoption fees waived, and every pup comes spayed or neutered, with shots and microchipped. It is hard to see anyone’s real personality from a website photo or from peering into a cage, so join a volunteer to walk and play with the dog outside. It is amazing how hyped up they can be in the kennel and then how calm they are once outside.
Volunteers wanted
If you are not looking for a companion at the moment, consider volunteering for the shelter. I had little experience with dogs when I signed up. The only thing you have to be expert in is giving treats and giving love. There are also many other ways to help!
Like anything to do with love, there is also heartbreak. It was beautiful to see the majestic German shepherd Duke standing proudly with his beaming adoptive dad, having their first photo together before leaving for a new life. But moments later, another dog was dropped off at the shelter.
For a moment, being there felt Sisyphean, but then I realized dwelling on that serves no one. Instead, I walked into the kennel to find another sweet pup to bring outside.
Alexandra Paul lives in Ashland.
