Why Do We Volunteer?

Why do we spend hours washing dogs, walking dogs at show'n tells, cleaning out crates, talking to people who just don't get it? Why do we put up with dog hair all over our clothes, car, and house? Why do we go out on a cold winter night to pick up a stray? Why do we spend weekends, holidays doing "dog stuff"? And the whys could go on and on!

Clearly we do all of these things and many more because we want to. But why do we want to? I believe that volunteers of any kind are a special breed, but animal volunteers are quite simply special in a different way. I guess we all have our own reasons for doing what we do for all four-legged creatures. Personally, I do it because I love animals - it makes me feel good to do my part in helping them. I learned about unconditional love from animals, and I am so thankful to them for teaching me. In the long run does it really matter why we do these things? It matters only that we do them!

Would it surprise you to know that there are over 6,000 animal protection organizations with links to over 1,200 organizational web sites in and out of the United States? I am going to give you just a few of the places I have visited on the net while doing research for this article.

There are numerous greyhound rescue groups across the U.S. These groups are working many hours without sleep, time off; they are begging for contributions, and dealing with all kinds of frustrations. Some of our policies may differ, but we are all in the business of helping our beloved greyhounds. This statement was taken from the Second Wind, the official newsletter of the Greyhound Rescue Society, Inc. located in Sugar Loaf, NY. What an appropriate statement this is! First I am going to take you to just a few of the greyhound sites I found - be prepared to spend some time - these are amazing sites!

Midwest Greyhound Adoption operates in Illinois. While visiting their site be sure to read Kari's story

Greyhound Pets, Inc. in Idaho has a noteworthy section on how you can be a volunteer. Read what their volunteers do - some great people up in Idaho!

Greyhounds Pets of America in Minnesota has an excellent concept for some of their volunteers!

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