Volunteering

Does anyone here volunteer at an animal organization? If so, where? I lost my dog of 15 years several months ago. It has been hard for me. I have always wanted to volunteer, especially after my loss, although knowing I will get sad for the animals is what held me back. I would love to do something. I am in Suffolk. Thank you...

Cindy

Re: Volunteering

My sympathies for losing your beloved dog. I am a dog lover myself and was so very sad for months after I lost my dog who I'd grown up with. He was my best friend, and brought me so much joy and laughter. I still miss him dearly, but now when I see other dogs of the same breed, it makes me happy to think about him. You'll get there too!

Volunteering with dogs is such a rewarding experience and a great way to help with the bereavement process. After losing my beloved Bert, I looked for volunteer opptys too.

Here are a few ideas for finding volunteer opptys:
1. ask your vet for shelters in the area. I am from Nassau so I only know of ones there (north shore animal league and bide-a-wee).

2. Not sure if your dog was of one breed, but if so, you might enjoy helping with breed specific rescue efforts. They usually don't operate out of one location, but they always have plenty of things to do. This is how I got started with volunteering. I helped find dogs of that breed in kill shelters who needed to be rescued. I also did some other things, and ultimately fostered a dog. It does make you sad, but it also is extremely rewarding. If anything, it made me more mad at the people abusing animals than make me sad.

3. Is there a NY Cares in the LI area? The one in the city has dog walking oppty's which is also lots of fun.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions at all about volunteering or what it's like, FM me. I've been very involved in it, and have had lots of great experiences that I'd love to share with you!

Re: Volunteering

The Bide a wee in Westhampton Beach is always looking for dog walkers. I was going to do it when my dog of 14 years died but the times didn't work for me.

Re: Volunteering

I inquired about LIttle Shelter and i wasnt thrilled w/ the "strict" schedule. For volunteering, it was really a LONG day and you had to commit to those hrs. I was turned off by that

Re: Volunteering

Save A Pet in Port Jefferson Station is a great organization. They are located on Route 112.

Re: Volunteering

so sorry for your loss. i know how hard it is. what a great idea though to volunteer! it's something i've always thought about too. depending on your location, there are lots of shelters around. or i just came across a pet sitting company earlier today. it's paid, not volunteer, but still a great way to spend time w/ animals! if you're interested, i can dig up the name of the company.