Become a volunteer dog walker
When you walk dogs, you allow them to interact better with people, socialise with other dogs and increase their chance at adoption.
Free on a Saturday morning? Why not pop down to your local SPCA and volunteer?
Jamie Murugan shares her heartfelt experience!
“I recently joined the volunteer staff at the Amanzimtoti SPCA, and I was welcomed and paired with an experienced dog walker – she showed me the route and guided me through the walks. I met the most beautiful soul, a dog named Lady. She was a rescue, and she was so full of love – she let me put her on a lead, and she walked with the grace of a lady from Disney’s own Lady and the Tramp. She was an absolutely pure soul. I later learned that she was rescued from an abusive home. She was beaten by her owners. This was unfathomable to me, because she showed me so much love and care and she was a pleasure to walk,” said Murugan.
She was looking forward to walking Lady on her next Saturday, but when she returned, she was not there.
“We asked around, and then we learned that Lady had been euthanised (put down). Unfortunately, the SPCA does not have the funds or resources to house these pets for prolonged periods of time. Each dog that is rescued only has a short window of four months to get adopted. This really breaks my heart, and I wish the dogs could have more time as they truly deserve a second chance at a forever home,” Murugan added. Sometimes one may ask, is it even worth it to go through and volunteer?
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“Knowing we can’t save them all, but then the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson comes to mind: ‘To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded’. And this quote reminds us that small actions, even for one sentient being, are sometimes enough,” Murugan concluded.
What can you do to make a difference?
- Donate your time to be a dog walker. When you walk dogs, you allow them to interact better with people, socialise with other dogs and increase their chance at adoption.
- Spend time with rescues, this helps them enjoy their limited time and get pets and words of encouragement.
- Donate money if you can.
For more information, sign up to be a dog walker by visiting 1 Nyati Rd, Athlone Park, Amanzimtoti, 4126. Alternatively, you can look for a SPCA in your local area and check out their website.
