People suck, so I'd like to......

[Zoltar]

help animals.

I've looked into some volunteering, and the animal shelter by me would have me clean cages and stuff.

Does anyone have any ideas along these lines? I'd like to devote some time to a good cause.

TIA!!

 

[Delusion2001]

i helped out at the library once...

 

[warcleric]

Zoltar: I have often thought about the same thing.

 

[ToBeMe]

My wife actually did that for a while.......but she quit because it seemed like most of what they were doing is KILLING them! Sad but true (at least where we live) it seems the people wouldn't pay to have the pet nuetered.....but then brought them or the offspring in to be put down.......

 

[Isla]

I have volunteered as a wildlife rehabber and I have been a foster mother for stray dogs/cats for several non-profit orgs. (Look for groups with names like Pets Are Wonderful, Save Our Strays, Friends of Strays, Animal Protection League, etc.) In fact, I am highly unlikely to ever work with anyone other than animals or kids, 'cause you are right, people suck!

A lot of times animals are traumatized by living on the street or being dumped off somewhere, so they need someone to love and play with them. It is much easier to place animals that are friendly around people, so it helps to have someone gentle get them used to people again. Chances are good that your local Humane Society/Shelter would welcome any help you can give them, so don't hesitate.

 

[Edski]

Most zoo's have volunteer programs, my wife has been doing it for over 10 years at the Denver zoo. She went back to school and got a degree in zoology and did several internships around the US, now she just need to get a job at the local zoo so we dont have to move.

 

[Linflas]

My wife does volunteer work with the local wildlife rescue league. What she does is be part of a rotation for phone duty where they field calls from the entire metro area from folks that find injured birds, squirrels etc. She finds it quite rewarding and has been taking classes from them in hopes of getting even more involved. I bet if you search for wildlife rescue organizations in your area they would love to have your help.

 

[Azraele]

Helping animals is very rewarding.

ToBeMe: You're right, unles you volunteer/work in a no-kill shelter, a lot of animals will be put down. I wouldn't be able to handle it. I'm the person who saw the neighbor's cat limp onto my front porch badly wounded and burst into tears (I took him inside and cared for him until he was healed). I just couldn't put an animal down, especially a healthy one that is just being put down because of shelter overcrowding.

Zoltar: Go for it! Cleaning cages is not fun, but a clean cage means a happy animal. I've seen pet stores where all the animal has is a food/water dish and a litterpan, no toy, blanket, anything. If you can't volunteer, then you could certainly donate toys, blankets, etc to make their lives more comfortable.

 

[Tauren]

I have fostered for the MHS for years. They will want to check you out, to make sure you aren't going to sell for testing, but it is very rewarding. I once fostered a 6' long Iguana named Lucy. That was different.

 

[Zoltar]

Thanks for all the great ideas.

I have two cats of my own, and my wife isn't animal crazy (Although she now absolutely adores the cats we have.) So even though I would definitely foster animals, it's not going to be possible. Also for the fact that I don't wish to ruin my present cats, that are spoiled beyond belief. I don't wish to bring parasites or sickness to my now healthy animals.

I live on Long Island, and the place I was speaking of is North Shore Animal League. They do not kill the animals. (Happens to be where I got my cats.)
Everytime I get a mailer from them, I send them a couple of bucks.

Maybe I'll take their offer again, cleaning cages is suck, but Az, you're right.

 

[loogie]

<--- Elephant masturbator.