Day at shelter

Had my orientation at the shelter the other week with a mentor. She introduced me and took me through most of the procedures. At the end of the day, we took two dogs out for a walk, chosen based on the number of days since their last walk. I picked two little white dogs that looked like Butters. I'll admit it, because of him, I'll always have a soft spot for dogs that look like him.

Both were very excited when we walked in, whining and barking in that little dog voice. The first one I walked was only interested in marking. Three feet, stretch leg up as high as it can go, mark. Walk two feet, mark. Walk, mark. When we sat down for a bit, he finally sat down next to me and calmed down.

One thing stuck in my mind after orientation was that sometimes these dogs really need quiet time more than anything else. The kennels are a high stress environment as the dogs don't pick their neighbors and people constantly walk through the rooms. They really don't have time to sleep, like most dogs do when owners aren't home.

It amazed me to see that in action. Even the second dog I walked did the exact same thing. I liked him from the start. As soon as he reached the end of the leash and felt it pull, he turned around, looked at me, and slowed down. The poor guy seems a bit wary of people and easily startled.

Next to the two poodle mixes was a pitbull whom I loved right away. While the terriers were creating an uproar in the ward, he did not bark at all. He simply sat wagging his tail happily, waiting. No barking, no jumping. Just unreserved happiness and hope (fine, the last part might be anthropomorphizing).

Being there made me very happy to be able to help them but also sadness. What were their stories? Will they find happy homes?

I've confessed in the past that I have an obsession with reading the pets section on CL. Today, after checking the shelter website to see whether Scout the wonderful pitbull is still there (he is), I just couldn't go through the pets section like I normally do, especially while with Butters sleeping with his back pressed up against me. Too many people giving away/rehoming/selling their pets. All these innocent animals who've already bonded with their humans only to be ripped away from them (even if they are going to a good home, they'll still feel the separation) without warning. Most of the time, it's not even their fault. Makes me sad and frustrated at the our irresponsibility.