Many of us say we want to ‘do more’ - especially when it comes to animal welfare.
I would love to foster but it doesn’t currently work with me and my husband’s schedules (...and I am a bit concerned I would become a foster failure over and over again :)) Knowing this, even though I am busy with full-time work and completing a full-time graduate degree, I wanted to help out in some way, no matter how small it may be.
Submitting my application to volunteer with Pets Alive Niagara is one of the best things I have done for myself and the furry friends I have helped along the way, in my own way. Although I don’t have my hand in fostering, what many associate animals rescues with, I have completed the very important task of reference checking potential adoptees and following through on completing and reporting back to the rescue on home assessments. Even with my busy schedule, I find the time to squeeze in phone calls or arrange a home visit after work or on the weekend. Knowing I am helping an animal in some way, and opening up space in the rescue for the next deserving pet makes it all worthwhile.
If you are considering volunteering, please know you can tailor how much you ‘give’ based on what works for you - anything is better than nothing, no matter how small. As an aside, you also get to meet some wonderful, like-minded people and meet new friends! I am so glad to have met those I volunteer alongside and am excited to continue working with them for years to come.
