Summer can be filled with work, vacations, and catching up with family and friends. However, if you want another way to get a tan rather than laying out, and love going for walks, why not take a furry friend along? Summer is the perfect time to take a relaxing day volunteering at your local humane society. This is the perfect way to make a new friend and get in some relaxing exercise.
Humane societies welcome anyone who wants to visit and play with the animals. There are no time commitments; you simply go when you can for as long as you can. Sophomores, Morgan Schmitz and Aly Blech, go to the Humane Society of Scott County on Central Park Avenue every Friday afternoon for two hours.
“We just went through an orientation about what we can do and a few precautions. Otherwise, we just go and play with the cats and maybe take a dog or two out for a walk if it’s nice outside. It helps to socialize them in case they get adopted,” Schmitz said.
Orientations are held on the first Sunday of each month at 10 a.m. for this humane society. Volunteers can also hold one of many titles allowing them to work in many areas; shelter helpers, dog walkers and kennel care volunteers are just a few of the many ways to get involved.
When you come back to school in fall, it will also be a perfect way to temporarily replace your pet from home.
“I missed my dog and cats from home, and I wanted to volunteer, so this was the perfect option,” Blech said about why she started going to the humane society.
Volunteering is the perfect way to do something different yet fun this summer. Humane societies are always looking for help with their animals, and it does not matter how much time you spend there. You might see a new puppy every time you go, but they are all in need of some love. Who knows, maybe you will come home with a new pet for good!
*Photo courtesy of www.atlantahumane.org