On Valentine's Day, my boyfriend and I decided to share the love a little and visit the Stillwater Humane Society to give some of our time to the animals. That was one of the best days I had had in a while thanks to our time at the shelter. There are so many benefits to going to your local humane society that I decided to write about it, and here are a couple of reasons why I think it is important to go.
All They Need is Love
These sweet pups adore humans. When you walk out to the kennels and see how excited they get to see you, your heart just melts! Being cooped up in a cage all day sounds like a horrible fate to me, and allowing these dogs even a small amount of time outdoors was so worth it. Now I know that the workers at the Stillwater Humane Society do a fantastic job tending to the needs of the animals in their care, but when people come to play with the animals it not only socializes them -- making them more friendly with people -- but it also gives them extra exercise and attention that will keep them in tip-top shape.
Volunteer Hours
If your sorority or fraternity requires you to have a certain number of volunteer hours, what better way than to spend time with a whole bunch of animals? The workers at the shelter offer to keep track of your hours and absolutely love to have volunteers come in to play with the dogs. I can't imagine a more enjoyable way to give back time to the community than to love on the pups and kitties that just want to give a little love back.
Date Idea?
Boys, I am sure your girl always asks for you to be creative with the dates you take her on -- at least I know that is what I ask for. Taking your significant other on a date to the animal shelter is a great time. If you are thinking long term with this person, you can see how he or she reacts with dogs (a very important determining factor in any relationship) and you get to experience giving back together, which is a really awesome feeling.
To Keep You From Adopting In College
I don't know if there is a person on this campus that wants to adopt a dog more than myself. I dream of the day when I can have my own little pup. Even though I have the freedom to adopt one now if I choose, I know it is a bad idea. Although I see plenty of dogs on campus and know that their owners are most likely college students, I know that having a dog in college would not work for me. In most cases, landlords either do not allow dogs or require a pet deposit or rent. Even if you have the money to pay for such things, it seems to me like a better idea to save that money now so that you will have something to fall back on when you graduate. Without a dog you have the freedom to travel places on the weekends or stay out late without worrying about their well-being.
Like I said, I don't think there is another person that wants a dog more, but I know I have to be responsible. This is where the shelter fits in. If you volunteer your time with the animals, you can pet and play with all of the dogs you want without actually owning one. It's hard to go there and not adopt one of the precious pups, but keep in mind that they deserve a responsible home that knows for certain they can provide for them for the rest of their life.
