From: betsy@rainbow.uchicago.edu (Betsy Weatherhead)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: shelter puppies
Date: 9 Nov 92 05:14:43 GMT
Organization: University of Chicago


I'm aware that many people have never volunteered at their local shelter and
may not be aware of what one actually does when volunteering.  The tasks that
need to be done are generally very wide-ranging.  Everything from cleaning
up the cages as they get dirty, to exercising the animals, to cleaning the
yard, to grooming, to paperwork, to phone calls, to dealinging with people
interested in adopting--all need to be done.

I particularly like to work with the animals and this weekend was a fun
weekend to do that.  Our modest shelter is in the unique situation of having
14 (yes, 14!) seven week old puppies ready for adoption.  Keeping them
clean, fed, watered and socialized is nonstop fun!  Everything is so new to
them, that the paper towels picking up their most recent mess is the most
exciting toy in the world to them.  We've got about sixteen grown and semi-
grown dogs all of which need to be taken out, groomed, walked, and given
some attention.  The volunteers usually coordinate this so that we can each
play with our favorite dogs, or our favorite types of dogs.  There was some
light-hearted fighting over who was going to be able to handle the 7 month
old great dane.  And we considered letting the Australian cattle dog herd
a group of three of us.  I took care of the big, sweet rotty-mix, because
I have an understanding for him.  He's much sweeter than he seems, he's 
just a little clumsy.  It was nice to see the basset that's been there for
a while.  He likes the social aspect of all of the volunteers and other
dogs going past his cage until it's his turn.  

But one of the highlights of this weekend actually came from talking with
a woman and her friend who came in to see what was available.  She told me
she was looking for a dog for her friend.  "Bad idea," I thought.  Then
she explained to me why she, instead of her friend, was looking.  Mary
is in a wheelchair and before bringing her in, she wanted to see if we
had any appropriate animals and if there was wheelchair access.  "I was
wrong, good idea," to myself.  They asked to see the Australian Cattle 
Dog, and I held back a wince.  This is a very playful, fairly naughty two
year old, who knew no commands, and loved to run behind people and nip
at any part of them he could grab.  I took the ACD out for them to visit
with and they soon recognized he was not the right dog.  "Whew. At least
they have good judgement." 

I started to explain, that their friend probably needs a dog that's already
well trained.  While we do get them in from time to time, we didn't have
any at the moment.  I was about to offer to take their number when they
interrupted me.  They explained to me how very self sufficient and active
Mary is.  She goes for several hour "walks" every day, rain, snow or sleet. 
She has great upper body strength, and their biggest concern was finding a
dog that could keep up with her.  "Well, I've never been so charmingly told
that I am clearly prejudiced, ingorant and stupid.  Particularly charming
because these poor people must have had to give similar speeches all of the
time.  I'm only glad Mary hadn't had to educate me.  It would have been the
umpteenth time for her." 

Back to the dogs.  They looked at the postpartem mother of nine of the seven
week old puppies and liked her calmness, but weren't overly sure.  I sensed
they were responding to her subtle noninterest in people--she was much more
interested in sniffing the grass.  I offered to suggest a dog, and they
were happy to let me.  "I knew I liked these people."  I brought out Count.  
Count is a well socialized lover.  Count is something of an airedale-
collie mix?  Definately a unique looking dog.  He gets out of his cage
and all he wants is to see where the nearest pair of petting hands is.  
For all his energy, he's very agreeable and very sweet.  He's probably
around two and in great shape.  Mary will be in tomorrow to meet him.

That's what volunteers do at their local shelter.  For each ounce we give,
we get a pound in return.

-- 
                              O             betsy@rainbow.uchicago.edu
_          __                  \            
  \      /    \       -- >      O           E. C. Weatherhead
   \ __ /      \ __ /          /            5734 S. Ellis  Chicago, 60637