Community Chat

[elated]

I really liked volunteering to walk the dogs but lately I have had second thoughts. I am getting e-mails from the Managers asking people to shovel snow, going and picking up city license, taking dogs to car dealers. I realize they are on a budget but I think this is going beyond volunteering. Also, when I have gone to walk the dogs, they have different levels to walk certain dogs. The last time I went I could only walk a few dogs because of the level. I was told by the manager they were going to have classes in January so I could go to the next level. I have been a volunteer since March of 2016.

[chrystaltree]

Taking dogs to car dealers?

[Marp]

At our local Humane Society volunteers do everything from clean cages to helping at meet and greet adoption locations.  There are a couple that are strictly kitty cuddlers or work the phone and desk because infirmities prevent them from doing other activities.

Even the staff at the Humane Society thrift shop are all volunteers and do everything from receiving donations, sorting, laundry, etc.

[on the bay]

I knew I couldn't volunteer at the humane society cause everytime I went I ended up leaving in tears.-made me miss mine too much. So I just donate also blankets and things.

I have found that a lot of the volunteering I did-whether with a bird rescue or others, involved pretty hard labor-cleaning out big cages with a big hose, scrapping and hauling out straw in a room. I would have liked to have fed the baby birds, but got to watch. I did get to babysit a duck in the bathtub! and hold a nice chicken

Everything was so muddy from the rain, you had to be really careful not to fall.

Another place for the poor had volunteers to sort, pack, hang clothes but you had to stand for hours-there was no place to sit.Another older couple with me wanted to help too but had to leave because they couldn't stand for hours either.

So yes, I've gotten the same impression re volunteering-its often too physically hard to do it, and you rarely get to do the fun, rewarding stuff. 

The homeless/soup kitchen type places I went to had so many volunteers we were standing around waiting to help!

Maybe I've just gone to the wrong places but I pretty much keep to my neighborhood and helping neighbors like we all do for each other and my family.

And I'm happy giving energy to that.

[RipleyGirl]

If they're not specifically asking you to do anything beyond what you feel comfortable with, then just keep dog walking and, if you want, taking the classes to move up in the levels. If anyone directly asks you, explain that you're not comfortable (or can't) do anything beyond dog walking.

[elated]

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@Marp wrote:

At our local Humane Society volunteers do everything from clean cages to helping at meet and greet adoption locations.  There are a couple that are strictly kitty cuddlers or work the phone and desk because infirmities prevent them from doing other activities.

Even the staff at the Humane Society thrift shop are all volunteers and do everything from receiving donations, sorting, laundry, etc.

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I use to volunteer at the Thrift Store and did not mind standing or putting out clothing on the racks. The  place was so disorganized I had to explain to the other volunteers what to do. The manager was so not a good leader. The employees were so upset and distraught with the management that they were complaining. I stopped volunteering when we had a couple that came in and would clock in and eat for at least 45 minutes. They brought their lunch from McDonalds and ate. Other people had to clean up after them. This was so unfair because I would clock in and do my 2 hours as required. I enjoy volunteering. I guess I just need to find my niche.

[Lucky Charm]

@elated You've had to take dogs to car dealerships?

[KathyPet]

I would imagine the car dealership,offered to,hold a pet adoption event like they,do at the Petsmart.

[CrazyDaisy]

Sounds like they are just sending out requests for help.  You can do what you are comfortable doing for them.  If you enjoy walking the dogs, then take the classes they will be offering so you can be available for a wider selection when you go in to work.

[elated]

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@RipleyGirl wrote:

If they're not specifically asking you to do anything beyond what you feel comfortable with, then just keep dog walking and, if you want, taking the classes to move up in the levels. If anyone directly asks you, explain that you're not comfortable (or can't) do anything beyond dog walking.

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I do love walking the dogs but if you are not a certain level, there are very few dogs that you can walk. One time when I came in to walk the dogs, there were only four or five dogs. So, you have other volunteers that are on your level and there is no way you can walk the same dogs every half hour or so. I have asked over and over how they rate the dogs. I used to walk one dog every week and he was at my level. The next week he was rated at a different level so I could not walk him. This dog was very gentle and was no problem. They have done this on many occasions and it did not make any sense to me. I have asked the full time employees why it changed and the answers were very vague. One time they had the small dogs (10 lbs and under) on a level above mine. I asked and was told some of the dogs were acting up. This was very disappointing. I have asked if I could give the dogs water and was told someone else would do it. One time the water was spilled in the kennel and I asked to clean it up. They told me it would be ok and not to bother. I have taken dirty blankets out of the kennel and replaced them with clean blankets. I don't mind helping but it is not encouraged.