I went to volunteer orientation at this wonderful organization in Atlanta recently. It's a shelter for animals rescued from outlying "kill facilities" that have little chance of being adopted (since they are in remote locations) or animals who require medical procedures or care that their previous owners couldn't provide. I love this place. I've been wanting to do something like this ever since I saw "Year of the Dog." (I told a friend of mine that I was going to do it last week and he asked if I had seen the movie. I immediately gushed about how much I love the movie and revealed my trepidation at recommending it to friends, since I'm afraid they'll see it and be reminded of me for all the wrong reasons. He laughed and said "Yeah, when we watched it, I thought she reminded me of you.")
Being in a group of people who all want to help animals and thus do a tiny part in the work of making the world a better place was very moving. (Also, the pets were SO adorable and sweet and inspiring. The little cat I sponsored last week had almost died from a spay complication but when I visited her, she was so peaceful and friendly. I honestly think animals are an inspiration.) There was a single man in his forties dressed in his work clothes, several young college-aged women in sweatshirts and jeans, a few young professional women, and numerous sets of couples (one even brought their children, which was also moving to me).
It's funny, because I've often heard it said that people grow to look like their pets, and I think that's true, although I also think people pick pets that suit their temperaments, so they don't really have to morph that much (think "Best in Show"). I think what fascinates me more is when couples begin to look like each other. There was one couple there who looked so much alike that I stared at them a little bit, without intending to, of course. I thought, "Maybe they are brother and sister," but then I thought "Volunteering with your brother or sister once you're in your late twenties is kind of weird, too."
I have to admit that whichever way it actually is, the weirdness was still touching because like everyone else there, these two people--regardless of relation--want to give of their time and their hearts to help animals in need. And that's reassuring to me.
The whole experience reaffirmed my faith in humankind. It turns out that there are many humans who are interested in helping animals with no reward other than the unconditional love of a puppy or kitty, which of course is one of the greatest rewards you could receive in my opinion.
In a way, it's like the Grinch--my heart grew THREE SIZES that day.
Plus, I fell head over heels in love. With a beagle. I wonder what that says about my personality. I guess growing to resemble a joyful little beagle named Danny Boy wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Charity :)
No comments:
Post a Comment