From the Heart of a Volunteer: What it means to volunteer at CAWL

Michele Mutschler, CAWL Volunteer

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU START: I used to think I could never volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization. It would be too hard; too sad; I would want to take them all home. Then one day, a petite, shiny black cat popped up on my Facebook feed, and I fell in love. Lizzo, an outgoing two-year-old girl, was featured as the August 2020 cat of the month on CAWL’s Facebook page, and I was smitten. I had to adopt this little girl. Thinking that offering to volunteer might bolster my chances of being the lucky adoption applicant, I held my breath as I submitted both my adoption and volunteer applications and asked if she was still available. (Turns out you don’t need to bribe the shelter with offers of volunteerism in order to adopt — you can actually just adopt and go on your merry way if you like).

YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE: On August 10, I brought Lizzo home, and five days later, I began my CAWL volunteer orientation and service. I started on the cat side of the shelter, bringing my volunteer manual with me for my first few solo cat care visits (I didn’t want to mess anything up). Guess what? I didn’t need a manual to scoop a litter box, fill a food bowl, or rinse a water bowl and refill with fresh water. It wasn’t sad to pet any of the cats who came up to me willingly, or comfort some of the scared ones who had just been brought in. On the contrary, this gig is fun. If I thought spending a couple hours here and there petting cats and kittens presented a fantastic stress reliever, I soon learned I could enjoy the same sheer pleasure by volunteering as a dog walker. AND (get this), I receive the added bonus of getting in all my steps on dog walking volunteer days. What a rush! I come back from these shifts rejuvenated and refreshed with the benefit of fresh air, endorphins, and the unconditional love of several dogs. There's a noticeable positive difference in my mood and productivity levels.

I WISH THIS WAS MY DAY JOB: Each week when I show up for a caregiver or dog walking shift, any work or other cares vanish at the door. I find myself looking forward to lap time with certain love-sponges, or coaxing a shy one a little further out of his or her shell, or playing with some of the spunkier ones. The experience is so rewarding that I find myself willing to sign up for an extra shift when my calendar permits. Sometimes just stopping by when I am in the area and cuddling and playing with the rescues gives me a boost for the day. I joke that CAWL is my home away from home, and it is true: I am happy to say that I've never once got in my car wishing I didn't have to go to my scheduled shift.

REWARDS ALL THE WAY AROUND: There are so many feel-good reasons to volunteer at CAWL, and watching the progress of our rescues represents some of the most amazing rewards. The love we show them each visit tangibly helps increase their chances of adoption. They grow to understand they can trust good humans, learn proper social interaction, and most of all, get to be what they are — cats and dogs who enjoy attention, pets, and play.

OPENING OUR HEARTS: Now when I hear people remark as I used to that they could never volunteer at a shelter, I want to dispel that myth and gently challenge people to open their minds and hearts to the possibility of giving some of their time to walk a dog, scoop a litter box, hug and laugh with a pup, and cuddle a kitty. Both the volunteer and the rescue benefit immensely from the experience.

Editor's Note: CAWL is always looking for cat and dog caregivers and dog walkers to help fill our daily shifts 365 days a year. Please email us your volunteer application at CAWL@comcast.net.