Gone to the Dogs again

[crows_roost]

I've been volunteering dog walking at our local shelter. It is a return. Driving down off the Hill, from the early sun, down into the coastal fog. I did the first shift for the first time this morning, arriving at seven. The shelter was mostly dark, very few folks around, I was the only dog walker on.

I signed in, got my necessaries (keys, poop-bags, treats, "out for a walk" sign, and pen to record information on kennel cards) and went out to the dogs. There is always the cacophony of barking when someone opens that door. I walk calmly, soft-bodied, down the aisle and open the first kennel lock. Vinnie, Poppy, Philip, Domino, Manny, and others and others, from the bouncy to the shaking timid, take a ten minute break with me. There will be a crowd of dog walkers in at nine to give them more but for now they are out and about, relieving themselves, and smelling the day - just a bit, with me.

Comments

[roaming.livejournal.com]

I did that once, a long time ago. I caved under the cacophony of barking, the pleading eyes, the too eager for any bit of attention. I am ashamed to say I lasted two weeks and quit. Where do you find the heart?

[corva.livejournal.com]

I find it in their eyes. And yes, I fall in love a few times every week...

No need to be ashamed - you tried! It was not your roll. Are things better for you helping the needy cats you visit with and tend to now?

[roaming.livejournal.com]

It is better because it's a no-kill shelter, and the location they are at has high traffic, so they get a lot of attention and about half the cats move out to new homes every week (that's about 8): that's a quick turnaround! Of course, there are always more waiting. But I don't feel so sad for them, I feel I am making a difference.

Except it's a "small" difference. If I were helping dogs that are traumatized and hopeless, I'd feel the difference were better.

I'm sorry, I hate to be whinging about this over and over. I just wish to be a stronger, better person, more like the people I admire. My excuses for not doing more don't fool even myself.

But yes, I do know that doing something is far better than doing nothing, so I will keep doing the something, and find a way to let it be enough, or find a way to do more for those who need it more desperately.

[corva.livejournal.com]

I don't hear/read it as whining. You are finding your Way. That and doing good is what it is all about. Thank you, truly and honestly, for what you do. I'll keep doing what I do and we'll be helping together!

[karisu-sama.livejournal.com]

Dogs..... <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

You are a very excellent human.

Elder daughter (home for a very short break between college quarters) just went through a crisis today over the dogsitter for her adopted shelter-rescue dog having to suddenly go away for some emergency, and daughter was desperately trying to find someone else among her connections in Philly to take care of her dog until she returns next week. Hopefully, or so she says, it IS now most likely taken care of. *always worries*