09 Jan Second Chance: Volunteer & Be Healthier!
For 30+ years, the Animal Resource Center and Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been serving Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties. Adoption hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. View shelter pets and services online at www.secondchancehumane.org.
“Connecting Pets, People, and Community While Saving Lives.”
View shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.
Please reach out to our dog den staff with any questions about these deserving dogs. animalcare@secondchancehumane.org
Donate here or mail to: PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO, 81432.
Go here for more options from Second Chance.
Why do volunteers volunteer? Well, some want to make the world a better place, help those in need, set a good example for others, or meet new people. Better mental health has long been attributed to involvement in community activities such as volunteering. Could it be that volunteering also improves one’s physical health?
A recent NPR story highlighted the health benefits of kindness and volunteering, specifically for adults over 60. The story said there’s growing research that it boosts our physical health as well as our mental health. The article cites a study from Baltimore Experience Corps showing measurable changes in brain health in volunteers compared to a control group.
Volunteers are typically more physically active, which is important for maintaining both cognitive and physical health with aging. Older people who regularly volunteer can walk longer than their non-volunteering peers and tend to have better balance. Other research found that people who volunteer have a lower risk of mortality and better physical function as they age. Another study found that people who volunteer suffer from less physical pain.
While we understand the importance of research, we asked Second Chance volunteers how they benefit from showing up to walk dogs, work in the thrift shop, help at adoption events, or other jobs.
Donna has volunteered with us since 2018. She says: “Volunteering at Second Chance has given me a purpose in my life. I love the exercise I get walking the dogs once a week. And, of course, I enjoy the awesome scenery at the ranch. I feel like I’m making an impact at adoption events by helping the dogs and cats find their forever homes. I love all animals (especially dogs). Besides spoiling my two rescues, I have the time and love to give to give back to a great organization.”
Ilene volunteers making follow-up calls to adopters. She also helps at our Ridgway thrift shop and gallery: “I am retired and always had jobs that I hoped improved a corner of the world (public TV, AIDS hospice, RN). Now, I find that volunteering goes beyond my small donations and adopting. I really want to help the animals, support the other people doing the hard work. Volunteering at Second Chance brings me in touch with people in a common endeavor, especially important in current times. It is very emotionally satisfying.”
We always need volunteers at our shelter, shops, clinic, events, and even clerical and administrative work that can be done from one’s home. Consider becoming a Second Chance volunteer! It will make the world a little bit better place for homeless animals – and it might just make our little corner of the globe a better for you.
Cynthia
Cynthia came to us from another shelter where she had come in as a stray. We don’t know much history, but we believe she’s about five years old and could be a purebred chocolate lab. She’s not fond of other female dogs, but she is a huge fan of food and treats. Cynthia is active and healthy and ready to start a new life in a new home.
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