I volunteer...

[Michele and Peeps]

Today is the first day in months I've worked alone (interns have gone home for the school year), and I just had to lightly rant about my day on FB... Sharing here for your enjoyment.


My animal sponsorship photos are not as popular as I would like them to be. The next step will have to be "adopt a volunteer"... What part of my day would you like to sponsor?

I carried, by hand, approx 246 pounds worth of water.

I washed approx 19 dishes today (ranging from huge water dishes to smaller food dishes, most of them "marked" by their owners).

I drove approx 50 miles round trip to pick up donated food items.

I threw approx 90lbs of produce (lettuce, apples, watermelon, etc) over a 14 foot fence (and only missed twice!!).

I prepared approx 40lbs of specialty diets and delivered them by hand throughout a 7 acre compound.

I walked just under a mile, half of that pulling a cart with over 200lbs of compost in it, without bug spray applied, in a forest.

I sprayed 7 bird enclosures. Flying bird poo is all I have to say about that.

I handled around 8 bird pellets (basically the fur and bones of raptor food they have to "vomit" out because these parts are not digestible - not to mention preparing the food that will show up tomorrow as more poo and pellets from the raptors).

I picked up around 30lbs of assorted poo, the most coming from one simple tiny bear (he is perhaps 30lbs compared to the 300-500lb adults).

It took me around 8 hours to complete all of these tasks, and more, without any compensation. I would quit my paying job if I had to work this hard for the amount they pay me... But I do what I do because I'm a volunteer. What's that worth to you?

 

[Grayson & Lu]

WOW! You know, there are a LOT of amazing people out there that give of their time, money and elbow grease every day, for the benefit of our animals. Not always OUR OWN animals, but the animals that we take responsibility for. Not everyone can, or even would, but for those who do, from others who do a small part, we THANK YOU!!!

For many years, and in a number of different roles, I've volunteered with our United Way, the umbrella agency for a number of VERY worthwhile local organizations. In working with the campaign, I see people that just can't make ends meet if they give financially. Which is why we often bring in speakers from the organizations, or support field trips to their facilities or activities. To most of them, your time is as valuable as your money - sometimes even moreso. Seeing the people who benefit from these organizations makes you want to reach a little deeper in your pocket, or come back next week and help again. Whether delivering meals on wheels, or watching physically challenged individuals stuffing our utility bills, or seeing the Salvation Army deliver a bucket of cleaning supplies to my friends after their house was flooded in a hurricane...EVERY GIFT HELPS. Knowing that through a small donation, or giving hour or day of their time, they can touch a life and make a difference - it' heartwarming.

So we choose to give/volunteer with groups near & dear to our hearts. For many of us, that's our local Humane Society, no kill shelter, spay/neuter program, raptor center, etc. I encourage everyone to give or do as their resources or time permits. Especially when you see the loving faces (and wagging tails!) of those on the receiving end... the rewards are amazing!

Hat's off to you, Michelle for what you did today - and what you'll go back and do again next week, next month, or next year!

Tonight my other friend Michelle placed her first foster kitty with it's forever family. Thank you to all that do all you do - and hopefully as we become more aware of these needs within our own community, we'll all reach a little deeper, or give a little more of our time, to these worthy causes and animals that bring so much to our lives!

Now go, change a life!

 

[Michele and Peeps]

Are you sure you are not a public speaker?

I really do wish there was a way to market my physical pain to raise some money for the org. The only reason I didn't cry when I got out of bed this morning, like I did yesterday morning, is I took a slightly elevated level of generic OTC pain killers. Today will be my 16th day in a row working, whether it be my 2-3 days a week of volunteering followed by my paying nonprofit job. I am still debating if tomorrow is even a day off... The dr is going to poke and prod me and then I have to stand in line for hours buying textbooks for arbitrary classes for an arbitrary degree that I now regret going for.

I'd rather be shoveling poo and getting prey stalked by wolves than going in to price material goods for ungrateful shoppers tonight.