Animal Shelters: The Good and The Bad

The same shelter is known to label puppies as vicious, because it is simpler to kill them.  One of those “vicious” pups (a perfectly sane, sweet, submissive and smart GSD) now has obedience and tracking titles, as well as shown promise as a therapy dog.  Not a mean bone in that girl.

I have seen the same attitude and lack of caring in poorly run, dirty, overcrowded shelters, with the same results:  People go elsewhere to find a dog.

There are other shelters where the attitude of the staff makes all the difference.  They are aware of their shortcomings where money and space is concerned, yet they keep plugging away at improving the lots of their charges and care greatly for the animals in the shelters.  While euthanasia is still a part of their management strategy, they are saddened by this fact, and try to save and place as many dogs and cats as they can. 

In spite of this, their emphasis is on finding forever homes, good homes for the dogs.  They avail themselves of every volunteer and donation for this purpose.  They educate, offer obedience classes at reduced rates, check references, know the dogs and cats in the back, have complete files, and still find time to address issues of safety and suppression of disease transmission.  Before you get beyond the reception area, they check whether you have been blacklisted.  If you are known as an animal abuser, you can leave.  While this is not foolproof, at least there is the effort made.  Then a volunteer discusses what you are looking for, and how to act in the kennel area.  After disinfecting your footwear you may look at the dogs, but not touch.  A worker will bring dogs to you one at a time, in a meeting kennel or room, so you can get acquainted. 

I was surprised how much time we were allotted in this getting acquainted phase.  Nobody was in a hurry.  They wanted it to work out.  A person who was obviously a work release prisoner completed the paperwork.  She worked diligently and earnestly, if slowly. 

When volunteering at the good shelters, you are usually matched and paired with an experienced worker, and while I thought you would get the poop scooping jobs, I was far wrong about that.  You get the fun stuff, puppy walking and socializing, and you can refuse any job you don’t feel competent in without judgment.  Only once you are a regular are you asked to help with more challenging assignments (often grooming or washing dogs, as clean dogs have better chances).  The staff appreciated your help and always expressed this.  It is easy to volunteer in such a place, not to mention rewarding. 

While many shelters suffer from lack of money and space, the good ones have employees who make all the difference.  Please support your local shelter.  They usually accept donations of paper (any kind: newspaper, paper towels, or money), blankets, towels, toys, time and always appreciate a kind word.