Volunteering at Shelters

[ktjohnson]

Hello,

I try to volunteer at local shelters as much as possible (so far mainly exercise and bathing, the occasional nail trim, etc) and I know many of you do full grooms at shelters, etc.

I firmly believe that these wonderful pets are in desperate need of attention and grooming, but I can't help but feel so sad every time I leave - I find myself wanting to take home every dog that I see (which is probably why I currently have 7 rescued dogs at the moment)! Most of the shelters around where I live have a high euthanization rate, which makes it that much worse.

Anyone else have this issue? If so, how do you deal with it? Just keep telling yourself that your doing what you can?

Thanks in advance for any advice, opinions, and words of wisdom.

P.S: I have decided that while it may be many, many years from now, once I can work things out, I am going to get a kennel license and set up a little foster home/shelter/sanctuary for dogs that would have otherwise been euthanized!

[Canopener Sally]

P.S: I have decided that while it may be many, many years from now, once I can work things out, I am going to get a kennel license and set up a little foster home/shelter/sanctuary for dogs that would have otherwise been euthanized!

I work with a rescue (coonhounds). But this how I feel about most dogs requiring grooms. And I'm speaking in reference to where I live, it may be different where you are. It seems that toy dogs and all poodles get pulled by rescue unless the shelter wants to place locally. I've groomed a few poodles for the shelter, they all did get adopted. I'm not saying don't do it. I've just found the dogs are gone before I have a chance and I like to focus my energy elsewhere. If they ask ( I have a contact with the shelter) I'll do it. It's rare.

I personally would rather focus on the less adoptable. Let's see that'd be any larger dog, "dangerous breeds", and of course hounds.

So I foster right. I occasionally browse petfinder. On the 29th I searched for Coonhounds. There were two at a local shelter and scheduled for euthanasia on the 31st. Both English, one male adult and one female puppy. Sometimes I can let it go but it was just gnawing at me. I sent out an email to the adoption coordinator for ABTCR. I didn't hear back and this was 3pm the day before their down date. (I suspect they euthanized in the mornings) I just kept thinking "I've I don't do something, which I have the power to do, it's my fault if they die." I honestly believe that is somewhat true. Sure I didn't put them there but my complacency (along with society's) would aid in there demise and my action could save them... So I get there 5 minutes before closing, the adult had been adopted and "Elsie" now "Wandering Star" was still there, in the outdoor kennel freezing her little butt off. I pulled her for rescue and took her home. The shelter worker said "she didn't have a chance" and she's right- She didn't have a chance.

http://cooniegoonie.smugmug.com/Pets/Rescue-Pets/Wandering-Star

The volunteer work I do keeps me in knots. But can't I suffer a little for them, the animals? It's hard but you know the saying "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." I'm not a big fan of complacency or living in denial.

I would say start working with a rescue and become an approved foster home, they are so desperately needed. PM anytime for anything "rescue" or if you need contacts. Keep your kind heart.

[Aussieshepherds]

I know how you feel about leaving dogs there to be killed. Luckily I have moved away from places that do that to divert my attention to my local shelter and helping them out. I often go into my shelter and help with anything they need me to. I often think of those dogs that have a down date and I do my best to help all of them..


I think it would be great to know you are going to set up a no-kill shelter and help all of those dogs in danger...PM me on details, I'm curious!

[lexapurple]

I started volunteering at local HS about two years ago and quickly found out that they did not value my time or intentions. I found a reputable rescue group that rescues dogs from death row in local kill shelters. It turned out to be very rewording for me because I groom dogs who I know got a second chance and rescue workers value what I do.

[ktjohnson]

I would say start working with a rescue and become an approved foster home, they are so desperately needed. PM anytime for anything "rescue" or if you need contacts. Keep your kind heart.

Thanks for the input. I am already approved as a foster home and knowing that the smaller dogs usually get picked up first, I usually only have larger dogs (pits, etc.). I just always feel that anything is not enough

Thanks everyone for the replies!

[edderland]

I saw an English Coonhound the other day on a shelter list; they had it down as a german shorthaired pointer. Seriously,
Nooope, it isn't.
Deidre

[Canopener Sally]

I saw an English Coonhound the other day on a shelter list; they had it down as a german shorthaired pointer. Seriously,
Nooope, it isn't.
Deidre

Feel free to forward this website to your shelter contact if you have one. If even only for a reference. Volunteers search shelters online to find dogs (like myself). If they're mislabeled they can't be helped. (I know YOU know this, just venting)

https://www.coonhoundrescue.com

[edderland]

Thanks, I went back and found the post for the dog, and contacted them, suggesting that he was an english coonhound, and giving them the link for the website for the coonhound rescue.
There are several coonhounds on craigslist this week here in SC; one they found and took in and nursed back to health; typical lost hunting dog; skeletal and cut up. another that is obviously a loved house dog that they are wanting to rehome, but seem to be choosy about the the new home, tg.
One time a coonhound was hit by a car, and the driver stopped and picked her up and brought her into the clinic where I groomed. The vet tried to reach the owner, left message on his answering machine and stabilized the dog.
The owner called very upset, telling the vet that he could not treat the dog. The vet explained,t hat for humanities sake, he had given the dog fluids, and a pain shot, and warmed her up. The owner was outraged, drove over, grabbed the radio collar off the dog, and stormed out, leaving the dog, refused to pay any bills or answer any phone calls. We found her a good pet home.Apparently she wasn't a very good hunter, or he would have wanted her back.The bill was only alittle over 100 for saving her life (she was in shock when brought in). Surely a good dog is worth that much.

Deidre