Apr
12
Animal Rescue Advocacy at The Lab
Filed Under Mentor Blog
(posted by Wellness Volunteer, Marilou)
About a month ago, Georgia, from The Lab, reached out to me and asked if I would be willing to come to speak with students at Como Senior High about my volunteer work with Pet Haven of Minnesota, a foster-based animal rescue organization.
Our mission at Pet Haven is: to rescue and re-home dogs and cats, spay and neuter to reduce overpopulation, promote responsible guardianship through educational programs, and advocate on behalf of companion animals…
A fellow volunteer (Laura) and her foster dog (Riley) joined me this morning. It’s important to Pet Haven to reach out to the community to help educate the public, and in particular kids who are our future. This morning with lots of help from Riley (who anxiously awaited treats) we talked about 3 things:
- How to approach and greet a dog
- The importance of spaying and neutering
- How volunteering with Pet Haven not only gives dogs and cats a new leash on life, but heals the spirit of the human volunteers.
We are grateful for the opportunity to come visit and to help get the word out about homeless dogs and cats. Riley was rescued off of the city streets. He is patiently waiting for his forever home, and you can read more about him at www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=10506360.
In my grief of losing our dog Shen to cancer 18 months ago, I found not only a new addition to our family (Missy, our 3 year old lab/pit/rottie mix) but I found healing in my volunteer work with Pet Haven. A student asked me how much I get paid for the work I do at Pet Haven. My response, “zero — in monetary terms. My heart and soul, however, came back to life when I found I could give my time to something I believe in with all my heart.”
As Winston Churchill said “We make a living by what we make; we make a life by what we give.”
Follow your heart. Give back to those in need, and I can assure you, that you will come to discover that you receive much more than you give. The Lab is a wonderful program, and on behalf of Pet Haven, thank you for inviting us to share our stories!
- Marilou Chanrasmi
President, Pet Haven (volunteer role) www.pethavenmn.org
