When people think about the possibility of helping at a dog shelter, they immediately think of walking dogs. But for many people, this is simply not possible. They might be extremely willing to help, but the limits of their physical capabilities prevent them from doing so.
I have been a volunteer at the shelter for three years now and I never walk the dogs. But I am always busy helping in some way or another. I have the privilege to witness the dog-changing results that can be achieved with our ‘shy’ dogs. Sadly, it is certainly not an ‘instant’ transformation.
Long-term abuse, in whatever form, causes long-term damage to a dog’s confidence. And this can result in our dedicated volunteers spending hours, weeks or months (and sometimes years) to enable our ‘shy’ dogs to be ready to find their forever home. Sitting with dogs takes hours of love and never-ending patience. This is just one aspect of volunteering which makes it so rewarding.
Rocky Kanaka is an American who spends hours of his life doing just this ‘sitting with dogs’ – like our ‘shy’ dogs. It does not take a lot of physical effort, just patience and commitment, but the results are truly amazing. You can see this for yourself if you visit the internet and search on YouTube for Sitting with Dogs. Be prepared to shed a tear in the first instance, but I can assure you that it is a truly uplifting experience.
If you personally have the time and the love to help our ‘shy’ dogs on the road to a normal life, we will welcome you with open arms. If you have a lot of free time but are finding that you need a new impetus in your life, our dogs can provide this – and will be delighted to welcome you into our international team. Every one of our volunteers has something different to offer. But, we all have just one aim in life. To see our dogs leave our care, together with a delighted new owner, on their way to their forever home. With just one aim in mind – how can any good team fail?
Anne Hodges is a volunteer at Cadela Carlota.
Stella
I was very afraid of humans, but I always protected myself and my seven babies until we were all taken to Cadela Carlota. It took almost two years for me to become used to humans, walking on a leash and socialising with other dogs. I am very calm and would like to find a home with someone who prefers a quiet life like me.
