Animals have coexisted with humans ever since the beginning of time. When those animals turned into a human’s best friend, it was like making a good PB&J sandwich: the sweet and salty flavors are an unexpected but great mix.
The animals who have always been man’s or woman’s best friends do not have a home, and some never really do. They may be taken out of unacceptable environments that threaten their health and wellbeing, or the animals themselves leave to find their own aid. Most that are seen on the streets or in the alleyways or in the parks are usually taken to animal shelters if Death does not find them first. You see the commercials that show the long faces of the animals in the shelters, but it is really the humans’ decisions that have brought their “best friends” there. I have seen how several people put time and effort to make the animals in the shelter feel loved and more at home than what they have been through.
A few weeks ago, I volunteered at a local animal shelter with my community service organization at SFA. The organization is known as SFA Circle K International—a branch from the Kiwanis International organization that comprises of collegiate students giving back to their community—frequently volunteer at the animal shelter for the animals’ sake. Upon seeing all the cute faces of the canines and felines, I felt this gut-wrenching sensation in the pit of my stomach, and I wished that they got to be taken home with a loving family. Understandably, not everyone has the accommodations for a pet in their lives.
Walking through the building, I saw small hearts taped to the wall for the fortunate animals that were adopted, and it filled my heart with joy. I had the opportunity to play with dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and genders. We were all toys and cuddles—that was until when I had to bring them back to their cages. I could tell that the employees at the animal shelter really care about the health of the animals due to the thorough guidelines that the workers voice to volunteers and the people who look for an animal to adopt.
I really wanted to adopt an animal while I was at the shelter, but I would not know where to keep him/her since I live on campus.
*sniffle* I think it’s fine…