C.A.R.E.-Why Volunteer?

COMMUNITY ANIMAL
RESCUE EFFORT
P.O. Box 1964
Evanston, Illinois 60204
C.A.R.E. Hotline
(847) 705-2653

Why Volunteer?

by Judy Prisoc

It is something I have intended to do for years. So why did it take me so long to actually become a volunteer for an animal shelter? When the topic was raised over dinner, my husband always had a ready answer: "We are the animal shelter." He had a point. I attract homeless cats and dogs. The most recent addition is fondly named Max (short for Maximum Number of Cats).

I could argue that I don't have enough time (who does?) or that I am too tender hearted and could not endure the prospect of becoming attached to a dog or cat who had to be put to death because time had run out. There were so many reasons why I could not become a volunteer. Yet somehow here I am, a regular volunteer at C.A.R.E. in Evanston. As I look back over my past few months as a volunteer, I realize that I am the one who has benefited from the experience - far more than I could have imagined.

As is with many important discoveries in life, my job at C.A.R.E. snuck up on me. I did not wake up one day and say "Today I will become a volunteer," instead I took a more circuitous route.

When Max developed a minor bladder infection, I decided to switch him to food that was designed to prevent such problems. As a result, I was left with a huge bag of cat food to dispose of. It sounded like a good idea to donate it to C.A.R.E. When I arrived at the Shelter with my bag of cat food, a savvy volunteer thanked me with a smile and handed me a volunteer form to fill out. I was pleased to see the tiny waiting room crowded with people seeking companion animals.

The next day I got a call from Beverly. She made me feel comfortable immediately. Her approach was straightforward, upbeat and flexible. She told me about the amazing 90% adoption rate for dogs and explained that there was a tremendous need right now for volunteers to help care for dogs. There also happened to be an introductory training session that evening.

Beverly was an excellent teacher. Through gentle persistence, hands on practice, repetition and the encouragement of teamwork she walked four prospective volunteers through a typical shift. At first it is shocking to see dogs in barren concrete and chain link cages. It is the rough equivalent of a dog prison, only all the inmates are innocent. After a while you realize that the dogs learn to accept this as home and look forward to their daily contact with people when they can go for a walk or on quiet days even play ball.

My first night on the job I wondered, "what sort of person volunteers at the local animal shelter?"

Software designers, teachers and doctors volunteer. Young people studying to be veterinarians, retired people, high school students and college students volunteer. Photographers, journalists and artists volunteer. People who don't have room in their apartment for a dog volunteer so that they can have the pleasure of walking and playing with dogs. Volunteers tend to be tolerant people with a good sense of humor. I know because on my first night I tested everyone's patience. While the young men on my shift rinsed each cage with a deft sweeping motion, I always managed to douse someone inadvertently with the high pressure water sprayers. Fortunately even the dogs were patient that night. None of them bolted out of the cage when I forgot to brace the gate with my knee. That huge (but gentle) Rottweiler mix did not wander too far when I forgot to latch his cage. There were so many things to remember! I was gently reminded to wait ten minutes before rinsing cages and to place squeegees upright to avoid contamination. Fortunately all those details that seem hard to remember are familiar habits by the second or third time out. At the end of my shift and on subsequent nights there was always someone who made it a special point to say "Thank you."

Although each night at the Shelter is different, there is a basic routine. When you arrive, there are anywhere from seven to twelve dogs waiting to be fed and walked. After an entire day of sensory deprivation, most of the dogs are ecstatic to see you and have come up with a variety of strategies for gaining your attention. Some bark hysterically and jump against the wire. Others put on a big grin and poke their noses through the holes in the chain link, wagging their tails and flirting shamelessly. If someone has been kind enough to put a ball in the cage, many dogs will pick it up and stand hopefully waiting to play. It is wonderful to be the object of such adoration. It is tremendously rewarding to observe the obvious pleasure each dog displays in response to a pat on the head and a short walk in the open air. Some dogs roll in the grass or pick up a stick in their mouths to carry. Others just shiver with excitement and go out of their way to lick your face - and if they can't reach your face they lick your fingers or ankles.

Some dogs are very depressed when they arrive at the Shelter and huddle silently in the farthest corner of their cage. These can be among the most rewarding cases because they respond quickly to patience and kindness. Within a week these forlorn creatures are eager for their walk or game of "fetch."

The purebred dogs are the first to find homes. (It is remarkable how many valuable, purebred animals end up abandoned). The friendly, enthusiastic dogs are chosen next. They know how to flatter prospective owners and get along with children and cats. Although it is difficult when one of your favorite dogs finds a home because you know you will miss him, I was delighted discover that people often bring their dogs back to the Shelter to visit. After working and playing with a special dog it is a unique thrill to see her again during such visits.

Most animals who end up in a Shelter are not so lucky. While the typical humane society finds it necessary to euthanize 90% of the animals received, C.A.R.E. is able to find homes for the majority of dogs and cats who arrive here. As a result, C.A.R.E. is able to rescue many cats and dogs who would have otherwise been put to death. Because of careful screening, most of these animals find an appropriate home. There are few things more rewarding than seeing a family brimming with excitement over their new pet, especially if it is an animal you have come to know and love and it seems like the perfect match.

In spite of all the happy stories that emerge from C.A.R.E., it is hard to forget that if it wasn't for human carelessness and cruelty, the shelter wouldn't need to exist. If everyone had their pet neutered, there wouldn't be so many unwanted kittens and puppies. If everyone had their pet inoculated, it would not have to be put to sleep after contracting an easily preventable disease. If everyone put tags on their dog, we could locate the owner. There are so many situations where an animal is neglected or abused that you might think that this type of work would be depressing. In fact, it is quite the opposite. When you see a starving, flea infested kitten who arrives at the shelter terrified and shivering you also see a squadron of people mobilized to help her. Within a week that kitten will become a purring embodiment of love waiting to curl up in someone's lap. It is amazing how resilient animals are. I am constantly astonished and delighted at the transformations that occur every week at C.A.R.E.

So now I am one of the regular volunteers. Even though we have a core group of dedicated people, we always need more. If you are reading this now, I encourage you to give your local Shelter a call.

If you decide to join us, you will meet some of the nicest people in the world. You will also get a sense of satisfaction and renewal that only comes from knowing that you have made a difference in the lives of so many animals and the people who love them.

At the end of my shift as I make my last round to be sure the door is locked and everybody has water I wave good-bye to one of the new volunteers and hasten to add "Thank You!"

For further information on volunteering for C.A.R.E., call (847)705-2653