it’s been a couple of months, but I think it’d be nice to keep a log/reflections from my my volunteer experience at the shelter.
It makes me really sad knowing how poorly some dogs are raised because of irresponsible owners. :((
Dogs are really really smart and also very very very stubborn. But funny, they never make me lose patience (unlike with some human LOL). They’re like this never growing four-five year old.
They are so full of love. ;;;; What did we do to deserve them and how can some people don’t love them as equally?
I get really happy and sad (but mostly happy) when I don’t see the same dogs on my next shift and every time I hope they’ve found a forever home that’s fitted for them 🎀
Big floofers are more than fluff and love -- they are so strong. I don’t know why I forget 100+ lb dog can drag me on the ground if they really want to (tbh I don’t even think I can confidently navigate a 50+ lb dog but I will work there!)
[I mentioned this before] The number of times I say “baby,” “my love,” “sweetheart”, “floofer,” and everything endearing is more in the short few hours I’m there than I’ve ever said to all humans combined. LOL This is dawning realization that maybe I should stop being such a cold/stoic person to people.
Puppers are resilient! :( I walked a baby girl that had her leg remove, but she was the biggest ball of joy. Really stubborn about getting back but she enjoy the world like a first every time and it makes my heart warm.
I didn’t realize why my butt and thighs are sore days after (because I run daily and I usually am not sore). Then I realize wow I squat a lot (a lot) when I with them. yas to unconscious workout!
They make me learn a lot about myself. I’m still trying to formulate my thoughts, but definitely along the lines of becoming more assertive, patient, and responsible.
(2/22) it’s so endearing when shy or trauma dogs come to you ;;;;;; it’s like thank you sweetbun that you feel safe with me thank you for trusting me
(3/12) any time I think about not being able to make it to volunteer (i.e. when it pours) I stop myself and think ‘wait, not like the dogs had choices to be where they are and it’s not like they don’t need walks / exercise because of xyx’ => how I wish I had the same mindset when it comes to work you know.
[to edit w/ more thoughts as weeks go]
