It may be a cliche to say so, but cliches exist because of the truth they come from: There is so much more to be gained, than to be given, by volunteering. 

In volunteering, I have crossed paths with people I would not have otherwise met. It is nice to meet so many like-minded people. Some I have met and never seen again. Some, I feel fortunate to now call friends. Either way, I am happy for the opportunity. From the young, the younger, and the young at heart, it is impressive to see the generosity and caring of this community! If the young people who volunteer at the shelter are an indicator of things to come, I am feeling better about the future.

Being in the company of dogs somehow puts this crazy world in a calmer state for me. Walking the path or just hanging out with them, can almost always, make a bad day into a good day, at the very least, for the time spent there.

Witnessing an adoption is an emotional event. Having families or an individual find the right pet to complete their family is the reason the shelter exists. There are not many of us who have never needed a second chance. The abandoned cat and dogs at the shelter are no different. They all have a story. Some had great homes and others were not so lucky. Either way, when the match is made for an adoption all the waiting with them makes sense. It is volunteer payday. 

How to Volunteer