The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer

It’s a pretty ubiquitous bumper-sticker:  “Have you hugged your dog/cat today?”

Lots of pet owners can smile inwardly at that and respond in the positive.  The benefits of pet ownership are widely reported – lower blood pressure and stress levels, better overall health from daily walks with the dog, etc.

But how many of us can say we’ve “hugged” a dog or cat today – as a part of our job?

Before you get the wrong idea, hear me out:  we’re not advocating the actual “hugging” of any animal – especially a dog.  (Dogs see hugging as a sign of dominance – don’t go there unless you’re ready for a trip to the E.R…!) 

This is more about the pluses of working at an animal shelter:  it doesn’t bring you great monetary wealth, but there are some other very amazing benefits!  How many people can take a break on a stressful day, go grab a cat and cuddle for awhile, or leash up a dog from the room next to them and head out for some fresh air – while on the clock, no less!  And this not only benefits the stressed out worker, but it is great socialization for the pet.  Not a bad health plan for all involved.

Life at a humane society is unique.  Emotional.  Sometimes controversial.  But never, ever is it dull.  And never is there a shortage of adoptable animals willing to help with that stress issue, or even in need of a little help of their own.

Socializing pets is extremely important.  When a pet is socialized, it is more likely to be considered well-behaved.  Pets look to us for cues, but they also draw on experience to indicate what is appropriate:  if a dog has been exposed to many different people and situations, it will be calmer in the face of the unknown.  Cats are an independent species, but that next trip to the vet will go much more smoothly if your feline is used to being handled.  House rabbits blossom with human attention, as do other small animals.  Human-pet interaction at HAWS makes our animals more adoptable, which is the best end result. 

Even if you don’t work here, you can “hug” a dog or cat today, too - or a rabbit or ferret or....  We’re always looking for volunteers to help as dog-walkers, cat socializers, small animal exercisers – whatever species is your favorite.  Who knows, some day you could become a snake handler!

But that’s another story…

What a concept!  Save the planet and the environment by going green!  Reduce, reuse…hey wait a minute…

Apparently we at HAWS have been on the cutting edge for years:  animal shelters have always been into recycling.  Think about it:  the pet your family adopted from the humane society probably came from someone else initially.  By giving it a second home and a second chance…you’ve recycled.

Okay, that isn’t very warm and fuzzy, but it should still make you feel good.  You’re making a difference -- you’re a super hero! 

Pet rescuer saves planet!

But when have you done enough?

Often HAWS employees are asked “How can you work there and not take everything home?”  Admittedly, it usually doesn’t take a new employee too long before they’ve adopted their first pet.  Spouses and significant others of shelter employees just roll their eyes when asked if they are ready for another pet.  It goes with the territory.

We have all experienced at least one time when a certain animal really got to us – we saw something special in the eyes, made a bond - just connected.  And if the timing was right, we have taken that pet home to join our own family.  But, we have a duty as shelter workers to also know when to say when.  Also, many cities have restrictions on how many pets residents may have -- we must set an example and uphold those laws. 

There is also the limitation of hours in a day.  Our lives are so busy these days, a pet owner needs to consider if they can truly devote the proper amount of time to each new furry, feathered or finned friend.  In fact, one of the most common reasons animals are surrendered to shelters is the owner realizes they don’t have time for their pet.  Your heart can be in the right place, but your life may not allow it.  There’s no shame in knowing your own limits – and staying within them!

Saving an animal is noble, but no one person can save them all.  So you do what you can as an individual, and have faith that there are others like you out there also doing their part. 

Every little bit counts.  A lot!  And a dog like Cyclone, pictured at right, might be just the little bit you're ready for...

By the way – it’s cold outside!  Please keep your pets indoors to protect them from frostbite and hypothermia.