volunteering for a cause

I've thought about volunteering my time to a cause throughout the years. Needless to say, I had never followed up on actually doing it. Things happen, life happens. You somehow seem to get side-tracked. However, around last October I finally thrust myself out there to volunteer. My drive to do so, was inspired by my two daughters that showed me to just go for it. So, I combined two things that I love and volunteered for something that relates to them. I now spend time photographing the unwanted and needy pets at my local animal shelter. Through my photos, I hope that people are able to see a sweet side to these adorable companions, and not the scared look that you typically see when you visit a shelter.

These animals are just hoping for a second chance. Some of them were found wandering the streets, left to fend on their own. Others are owner surrenders. Pets that someone loved at one time, but now have decided that they are expendable. A thought, that to me, is heartbreaking. The pets come into the shelter and have no idea what is going on. You can tell in their eyes that they wonder why they are here. In the time that I've spent volunteering, I've seen such horrible things that people have done to animals. I've teared up at the gashes, sores, and injuries that I've seen. Dogs have been domesticated and so they rely on humans to take care of them...to love and feed them. It seems so simple to me that we should take care of them and provide for them.

All they want is your love, a gentle hand, and a warm home. Pets are there for us when, at times, people are not. They give unconditionally and they show a loyalty that is to be revered. Having a bad day? Animals soothe stress and can turn ill feelings around. They'll cuddle into you and give you affection, if you'll just provide a loving environment. They don't care if you don't have make-up on or you have bad morning breath. Pets will love you regardless of you going bald or that you smell from a hard day at work. They just want your love and protection.

I feel compelled to say a little something about the bias on the Pit Bull breed. This is so hurtful to such a loving animal. I've seen many come into the shelter and they are just like any other dog. The above photo is of my son hugging one of the Pit Bulls at the shelter. Too many people fear something without cause. If you were to see two dogs walking down a street, one being a Pit Bull and the other being a Poodle, would you automatically feel threatened by the Pit Bull? It's a stereotype that is killing the breed. Any animal can sense fear, whether they are Pit Bull or Poodle. They react off of us. That Poodle could sense your fear and come at you just like the Pit Bull could. Their intentions/reactions are the same. Yet, Pit Bulls are being punished more for it. They are being massacred in the news and it is going as far as states creating breed specific laws. Ignorance like this is threatening not only the dog but also humanity. It's unjust and unacceptable. What we should strive for as the human race, is understanding and compassion towards everything. It will make us a far better society.

I encourage anyone out there to volunteer at your local animal shelter. There is always something that you can do. Spare a life by adopting. If you can't adopt then foster, so that the pet doesn't have to stay in the shelter. You can donate items like blankets, towels, food, or cash. Give your time by helping clean the pens, walk the dogs, take photos, or help in rescues. If I could stress one thing it would be to spay/neuter all animals. Puppies and kittens are cute, but they don't stay that way and there are plenty at the shelters to pick from. Help the shelters, don't hinder them. It is more common to find kill shelters then to find "no kill" ones. Our actions decide their fate.

Ending this, I just wanted to post two videos that I've made for my local animal shelter.