Volunteering with animals is rewarding for humans

For years I wanted to volunteer at a shelter, but never felt I had the time. That changed earlier this year when I brought a stray kitten to the Animal Welfare Alliance and decided to help them out as I was able — usually for a few hours on the weekends.

What I found were fellow pet lovers, a flexible schedule and plenty of fur therapy. True, cleaning enclosures isn’t always a fun task, but it’s much more enjoyable when there are kittens playing with the broom and rolling on your shoes. I also met friends who share a passion for animals and their happiness.

I am thrilled to spotlight their efforts to find forever homes for pets in need, as well as help pet owners spay and neuter the animals they already have and love.

It’s been fun seeing this organization grow into its new space and be welcomed so warmly by the counties they serve. We at the Daily American Republic look forward to watching what they do in the future. In the meantime, I encourage anyone on the fence about volunteering to take the plunge — visit shelter and see for yourself the rewarding ways your can help area cats and dogs.

Samantha Tucker is the assistant editor at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at stucker@gmail.com.