The (Big, Grinning) Face of Volunteerism

Years ago I did some hospital volunteer work for which I was not well-instructed, was never quite sure what I was supposed to be doing, and I was miserable doing it. From that experience I surmised that volunteering was like doing penance—the right thing to do but completely unenjoyable.

Fast-forward 20 years. I'm surrounded by a carnival atmosphere in my Fairy Dogmother costume, beer in one hand, fairy wand and leash to my beloved coonhound in the other, dancing to a live band with another volunteer who is in a dog costume. I was doing service as a volunteer for the Dane County Humane Society Dog Days Afternoon and having a blast.  It is possible to do good and have fun. In fact, if you're not enjoying what you're doing, you're doing the wrong thing.

I've just had another opportunity open up that will be extremely gratifying—a local nursing home wants the Fairy Dogmother (i.e., me) to bring Jazz to visit residents on alternate Sundays. What a win for all of us!

If you want to volunteer (also known as "help", "make a difference", and/or "participate") with animal rescue, there are as many opportunities and choices as there are personalities. Maybe you like being behind the scenes, working directly with the animals—cleaning cages and kitty litter boxes, walking dogs, coddling cats. A set weekly schedule might be your preference. Or perhaps you would rather take part in the occasional event planning, office work, fund-raising, or school visitation/demonstration occasion. Find the time, place, and activity that works for you. Do good. Have fun. That's volunteerism in a nutshell and at its best.