Bruno and friends

Makaya, my "Good girl"

Several weeks back I took my dog Makaya (pictured above) to Petco to get some much needed dog treats and accessories. While purchasing my goods, the cashier asked if I'd like to round up my purchase to the nearest dollar and donate money to support a local pet organization (I don't remember which one or what I was supporting) ...I said yes. I paid a little extra and in return the cashier graciously gave me 2 rolled sausage dog treats and 2 tennis balls. Makaya was treated and I was proud to finally say yes and give money to a good cause, even if I only donated 21¢ .

That donation inspired me to continue giving. Just outside Petco was San Diego's Second Chance Dog Rescue. Two large play pins contained spirited pups and smiling volunteers. The people were happy and the dogs were happier; it was hard to deny that life was good for everyone in that 40 ft. radius. I stopped by the organization's booth and after speaking with several of the friendly volunteers I filled out a volunteer application.

Two weeks later I received an email asking for my support at the next event. My schedule was clear and I said yes once again! Today I met many great volunteers  ranging from young girls participating to accumulate community service hours for their school, to a German woman who moved here 7 weeks ago and was in need of some animal love! The system Second Chance Dog Rescue uses is all volunteer based. Doggies get to be treated to temporary loving homes until a family comes along and adopts the dog into their own home.

This morning, one of my initial duties was to sign dogs in as the foster parents dropped off the pooches. When a temporary foster dropped off "Bruno" an American Eskimo-mix, the foster mom, Julie, became silent for a moment. At first I didn't know why she wasn't answering a question I asked her, but I then realized that she'd fallen in love with Bruno in a weeks time.

Bruno

I could feel her pain in that moment; she was about to leave him. If someone was to adopt him that was the last time Julie would see Bruno. I reached out and put my hand on her shoulder. Bruno looked a little confused when he left Julie and entered the pin full of rowdy-happy puppies. It was an innocent and unexpected separation that brought me to a quiet stillness. I'd hoped that either Bruno was adopted into an amazing family that day or that Julie would return to find him hers again if not for another week. Either way it was for sure to be a win for one of them. It was in that moment of watching Bruno and Julie that I understood: volunteering isn't only giving up time, space, or money. Volunteering is giving a part of yourself that cannot be measured. Julie and Bruno will forever remind me of the bond that can be formed when 2 experience what it is for 1 to be selfless and the other to be in need.

During my volunteer time I was able to run around with my camera. The pictures shown are from today. I took the picture of Makaya (shown at the beginning of this post) after I returned home from volunteering. After spending time with all the hounds, I couldn't wait to get home to my buddy.

San Diego Second Chance Dog Rescue Volunteers

Slider has feeling in his legs, but he can't use them.

Slider gets bandaged by a volunteer.

If you're not in the San Diego area and you're interested in finding out more about volunteering at a local pet adoption agency, please contact your local veterinarian or pet store and ask for information. Give back to the community in some way, and be sure to give back in a manner that you feel drawn to help. If you don't have money, then give your time, do administrative work, take pictures, make phone calls or send emails. Help in a way that leaves you fulfilled. Volunteering isn't sacrificing, it's using and giving of the already abundant skills and resources that exist in your life.

Go love the world!

Xox,

Sarah