Second Chance: Volunteering Grows Who You Are!

13 Nov Second Chance: Volunteering Grows Who You Are!

Batgirl

Volunteers are special people. They are compassionate, giving, kind and they make a difference in the world. They also smell good and love to cuddle and make soft cooing noises when they hold me. My name is Batgirl and I have a strong sense about volunteers and what makes them so unique. I find they have certain qualities that become even more pronounced the more they volunteer. So if you are looking to expand your character here are my favorite volunteer assets:

1. Creativity & Imagination: We can probably all agree that people who are creative and have good imaginations are great to be around. The level of passion and excitement they bring to any situation doesn’t allow the craziness of the unknown to overwhelm them or the drain of the mundane to them down. Volunteering doesn’t need to be a solemn or stressful thing. When individuals use their talents, passions, and humor, they bring life into the tasks at hand.

2. Integrity: As a volunteer you are often trusted with various levels of responsibility. Therefore, one of the most critical aspects to bring to volunteering is integrity. When people are sincere in their everyday life it enriches their volunteer work in a way that speaks louder than words. The way you serve really shows who you are and how much you care.

3. Sacrifice/Selflessness: Volunteering is just that – sacrificing of one’s time, energy and services without expecting anything in return. But the more you give, the more you get back. The more you scratch behind my ears, the more kisses I give. Learning selflessness can also help you minimize your own life issues and drama by realizing that a big part of life is about the difference that you make.

4. Flexibility: In the volunteer world, things change often. Projects can unravel, challenges can leap out of nowhere and puppies you were attached to get adopted and move one. It takes someone willing to be adaptable and flexible to thrive as a volunteer. Volunteering is simply more practice for the real world. Be all that you can be – volunteer with Second Chance today – you can start by filling out our online application at www.adoptmountainpets.org.

I am a young happy adventure loving little pup seeking to swoop into your life and rescue you from loneliness, boredom or any sense whatsoever of not feeling needed. I also have a great BatMobile to add some excitement to your life. What lies behind my mask remains a mystery – could be a Border Collie, Terrier, Chihuahua – or maybe a Borderier Collihua.  The mystery may unfold as I grow – although I don’t expect to get very large. Come meet me today!

Peridot

Pssst…and my name is Peridot, one of many fun happy kittens waiting for a forever home here at Second Chance. I am outgoing and adventurous and I particularly enjoy a good game of Duck Duck Goose.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff & Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)