This summer I’ve been able to experience many firsts.
One of them is volunteering at an animal shelter, which has ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.
I knew I wanted to make a difference. When I first walked and played with a dog at the shelter, it didn’t hit my emotional heartstrings very much.
After a few days though, I started to enjoy spending time with these dogs and kept hoping they would find their forever home.
Lindsay Trombly | Argonaut
When I first signed up for this commitment, I didn’t realize my heart would be emotionally attached. But it was — to Lilly, a pitbull terrier mix. Why does she matter? Because I advocate for her at the shelter. Lilly’s profile said she was shy and timid, so I always walked past her kennel thinking she didn’t want to be bothered.
Turns out, I was wrong.
The first day I took Lilly out, we made an instant connection. She covered me in kisses, sat in my lap and listened to me. After that, I knew I needed to keep visiting her.
Day by day she quickly caught on to who I was. Just by hearing my voice, she would instantly perk up. She always became excited to see me. I feel like I really got to know this dog by visiting her every day.
I didn’t want to take home any dog there — except for Lilly. It wasn’t possible though, since as a college student I knew I couldn’t fully complete her needs. Instead, I became devoted to finding her a home.
Every day I walk in that shelter, I always let potential adopters know she is there, but they see the shy sign and just walk past her.
While advocating for her, I had the opportunity to help at mobile adoptions where three dogs could travel to a Petco to possibly get adopted. I reached out and asked if I could handle Lilly as one of those dogs. Sure enough, she showed up with that familiar radiant smile on her face. After a few hours, I found her a home and signed the paperwork. She was good to go. It was the last time I got to see Lilly.
Sadly, she was returned to the shelter the next day because she didn’t get along with another dog. Now I’m going to work even harder to find her a forever home because she deserves it. Sure she is a pitbull, but she is the most lovable pitbull I have ever met. Lilly is just one of thousands of dogs with a story, in a shelter who needs a fur-ever home.
It can be sad walking through the shelter, but spending time with a friendly face can make a dog’s day. Plus, even if I’m just a volunteer, I know I’m making a difference. I make myself heard by staff if I see something going on. Someone needs to be an advocate for these animals.
If you can’t adopt — donate. If you can’t donate, then volunteer. These animals need our help. There are many more dogs in the world than just Lilly who need saving.
Lindsay Trombly can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lindsay_trombly