This week, Kathy Talkin (a.k.a. Poindexter) has something to say about volunteering at shelters.
How many of you have done some volunteer work at an animal shelter? I’d like to share a couple of experiences I have had in promoting awareness of the humane treatment of animals and the importance of spaying and/or neutering your pet.
I also encourage all of you animal lovers to do some volunteer work at any of the many animal shelters in Chicago. You can have fun while also making a difference. (And you can see some awfully cute young and old dogs, cats and sometimes rabbits.)
A few months ago, I went through a little training to be a humane animal presenter with PAWS (Pets are Worth Saving). These presentations are usually given in areas where there are lots of stray animals and the ugly, criminal activity of dogfighting takes place. PAWS is in need of presenters, so if you have any interest in that area, please contact the agency at 773-521-1408, x238.
Last Monday, I participated in my first presentation. We went to the Far South Side and spoke to 35 kids ages 6-12 at a day camp. We were both pleasantly surprised at the knowledge many of these kids displayed about taking care of animals. The counselors also had whistles they blew whenever the kids were getting too loud. (How do small kids have such powerful lungs?) We had a large, docile dog with us for the kids to pet at the end of our presentation. A few of the kids were afraid to touch him.
At the end of the presentation, one of the boys came up to me and said, ‘I always thought that dogs were boys and cats were girls’. He was so serious! I explained to him that there are a few girl dogs and boy cats running around, too.
Another first for me this summer was dressing as a dog mascot for PAWS (‘Poindexter’) in the Cinco de Mayo parade. It was a bit warm inside that costume, but it was fun to see the joy and laughs on the kid’s faces as I walked down the street waving at them. They seemed to think that I was really a BIG dog! And it may have been the first time that I didn’t need to check myself in a mirror when someone stuck a camera in front of me.
Here I am as Poindexter—ready for my close up!
Events:
Aug 14, Tree House Animal Foundation August Happy Meower
Cody’s, 1658 W. Barry, 773-784-5488 x231
Aug 12 & 13, Noon-10pm, Pet Fest, part of West Fest street fair; www.WestTownChamber.org