Animals have a way of reigniting love in our hearts and happiness in our lives.
For students at UCLA, this is no different.
Just walking around our campus it is easy to find someone walking their dog, and a trail of students following behind. An elderly man with two huge Siberian Huskies has become a staple on campus, and his presence is almost as permanent as the Bruin Bear statue.
It is definitely clear that UCLA students love dogs, and when given the chance will pet any dog in sight. What most students probably do not know is there is a place just a couple miles from UCLA where they can walk, pet and play with all the dogs they want for free.
The Amanda Foundation is committed to loving and caring for animals in need, despite their age, background, or ailments. Located at 351 Foothill Rd, Beverly Hills, this animal rescue is perfectly set in the best area for running, or walking with new doggy friends.
This facility takes in all animals, and cares for them until they find new permanent homes. Also attached to the building is an animal hospital that boards cats and dogs, while providing a full range of treatments for all types of animals. This dynamic establishment has been operating as an animal care facility since the late 1800s with The Amanda Foundation beginning in the 1970s.
Their philosophy revolves around the word "Amanda" meaning "worthy of love" as they feel all living creatures are worthy of love, and provide animals with all the love they can. This no kill rescue is home to 60 dogs, cats, and dozens of volunteers. After just a short orientation, volunteers are able to meet and greet dogs, and take them out for walks, or cuddle and pet cats. The dogs are more than excited to see volunteers come in the door, and often jump and bark excitedly when they see their leash.
One dog they call Missy was so happy to be on a walk that she ran the entire time, always looking back to see if the volunteer was close by. When she got back to her kennel, she jumped on her volunteer's lap and licked her face as she was getting her leash taken off, only to run to her dog house and sit happily.
It is pretty amazing what a thirty minute walk can do for an animal. Just thirty minutes of attention, and some lovin' made that dog the happiest dog ever, and definitely filled the volunteer with happiness too. In those moments a bond was built and even if the dog gets adopted out tomorrow, the dog still made an impact on the volunteer's life, and vice versa.
It is important to realize the value of volunteering and to understand that being in that position is more than helping others. A great volunteer experience should be one that helps the volunteer as much as the person or animal being helped, and one that provides both with a beautiful experience to grow from.
So go out there, and try something new. You never know, you might make a furry friend! If you are looking for a dog please visit The Amanda Foundation online or in person and check out all the beautiful dogs and cats they have sheltered today!
