According to the ASPCA's Pet Statistics, approximately 3.9 million out of 7.6 million animals are dogs entering animal shelters in the U.S. yearly. Unfortunately, only 35 percent end up being adopted and 31 percent are euthanized. Ever since I started volunteering in my sophomore year of high school, I tried to find no-kill shelters. I went every weekend and sometimes even weekdays to walk dogs. Now that I'm in college I found an animal shelter here to help out at and do the same thing.
The best part of walking the dogs is how happy they get being out of their kennel! Just look at Hund's face. He is showing the well-known Pit Bull smile. Hund is currently seeking his forever home at Blue Chip Animal Refuge in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Even days such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, the first thing I want to do when I wake up is go walk the dogs. On days where no volunteers go to the shelter, they do not get outside. These dogs become a priority.
The beauty above, Maya, made me realize how much I appreciate dogs. She was at Blue Chip for a few years before a wonderful family decided to take her in. Maya is a deaf Pit Bull and is very picky about who she trusts. The first time I asked to walk her the other volunteers were leery about allowing me to, but she turned out to love me. Being trusted by these misused animals is such a rewarding feeling, I knew I could never give up on a scared or nervous dog.
I rescued an 11-month-old Terrier mix in August 2014. Roscoe was hit by a car and threatened to be euthanized until Blue Chip decided to take him in. He wasn't even there for twenty-four hours before I went and picked him up. This dog has been the definition of a "pain in the butt". Since Roscoe is very pig-headed, it has taken us up until a few months ago to fully house train him. He also barks at everything, even when it's actually nothing. My family and I wouldn't trade him for the world, though. If you talked to my parents they would tell you that I text them about once a week asking to adopt the new Pit Bull at the shelter (this is not an exaggeration, I would have ten or more dogs if it were up to me).
Again, "rescued is my favorite breed" isn't just another bio quote to me. I truly take this to heart and try to do my part in helping shelter dogs. Whether it's volunteering, fostering, adopting, or even donating, you can help too. Consider reaching out to your local animal shelter today!
