Pet Haven

Taking the advice of one of the counselors at the weight loss clinic near my home, I went out, bought some comfortable running shoes, and went to the local SPCA and volunteered to walk their dogs as this would help me fulfill my exercise requirement. I had grown up with pets my entire life and knew that I would one day have another dog; but I was a single woman living in an apartment building that did not allow for pets. I remember the day I drove into the parking lot of the local SPCA - I was nervous. Why would I be nervous you ask? Would I be accepted as a volunteer? What would it take to be come a dog walker? These were questions that I had to ask before volunteering.

As I walked in through the glass door to the SPCA office I noticed the many posters adverting for Pet insurance and pop up display stands promoting pet adoption. Upon entering I was immediately greeted by the receptionist. When I told her that I was interested in the Walk a dog program, she handed me a form to fill out. It was a standard application form. When volunteering for this program, I found out from the 5 minutes of training I received that there is a mandatory commitment of an initial six Saturdays of dog walking. I signed up immediately.

I was then taken into the back area past the cat kennels to an outdoor section of about 20 cages with two medium or large dogs per cage. On an average Saturday there were anywhere from 5 to 15 dog walkers. We were instructed to take one of the leashes from the hooks just outside the kennel area before we were introduced to the dogs.

I was introduced to a beautiful blond golden retriever named Chester. Chester was a year old, apparently because of allergies in the home, her owners were forced to give her up. She was extremely well behaved and took well to the leash. We became fast friends. It was obvious by the way she walked by my side, her owners had successfully taught her obedience. I soon became Chester’s regular dog walker and every Saturday I looked forward to our walks together. One Saturday, I arrived to walk Chester to find out that she had been adopted. Although I was happy that Chester had found a family to love her, I was saddened that I wouldn’t see her again. During my time with the SPCA, I walked a lot of wonderful dogs but I will never forget the connection that I felt with Chester. Volunteering for the SPCA was a very happy time for me and I encourage those who loves animals, especially dogs to volunteer as a dog walker.

• TIPS FOR ADOPTING A DOG
• 3 Things to Consider When Planning to Buy a Large Dog Breed
• Dog Parks – Where Every Dog Has Its Day
• The Many Breeds of Cats
• 10 Tips on how to Walk your Dog correctly

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