|
Since the launch of WithOneLine and its efforts to bring awareness to animal shelters and wildlife conservation, I’ve dedicated some time each week to help make an impact in our community. Back in March, after going through an extensive orientation, safety class, and one-on-one training, I became an official volunteer at the Franklin County Dog Shelter (FCDS), located in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. It was an easy decision for me to choose to commit my time there, because it was where I adopted Riley from when she was just 7 weeks old. FCDS helped give me the best 8 years of my life, so I want to make sure to give the dogs at the shelter the best opportunity to find their forever home!  Cal learning basic obedience at Franklin County Dog Shelter Every day, there are over a hundred dogs on the floor ready to be adopted at FCDS. Some dogs are fortunate enough to leave the shelter within a few days, but others are less fortunate. They either get overlooked because of their breed, size, age, etc., or they get returned after being adopted out. Whatever the case may be, the consequence of a dog that has been there for an extended period of time can result in severe mental break down. During my short time as a volunteer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles some of these dogs are faced with and it’s utterly heartbreaking. The effects that these dogs have to endure when left in a stressful environment like the shelter and kept in isolation with very little human contact and interaction is tragic. Luckily, there is a great group of ongoing volunteers who help mitigate this and I highly encourage anyone who is looking to make a difference in these dogs’ lives to sign up and become a volunteer. Because a shelter is only as good as its volunteers are plentiful. |
