5 Ways Volunteering at an Animal Shelter Helps You Grow
I must admit that I do not volunteer as regularly as I would like to. Spare time is at an all-time shortage, particularly for city workers these days. But this in itself is a growth-related reason to volunteer some of your time.
Being always in a rush can make us a little selfish with our downtime. Volunteering at an animal shelter is a great way to make a real difference in the lives of some animals in need. So here are five great reasons to roll up your sleeves and get involved.
1 Selflessness
Let’s start by expanding on this idea of sharing your precious free time. When a resource is in short supply, we covet it. This is particularly true of both time and money in our society.
Break out of that nasty habit by giving a little of your time to a worthy cause. I promise you will feel great about yourself for it. And both the shelter staff and animals will benefit greatly.
2 Social growth
You will turn up for the animals, but you will bond with new humans too! Meeting people outside of your normal friends and colleagues circle is a great thing to do. And you will instantly have your love of animals in common.
Read also – 7 Crucial Reasons to Raise Your Children Around Animals
3 It is an eye opener
Until the first day that I helped out at my local cat shelter, I honestly had no idea how much of a problem big cities have with homeless pets. People abandon litters of puppies and kittens in all sorts of places, and many animals are shelter-bound for life, as there just are not enough people willing or able to adopt. ‘Adopt don’t shop’ will become your new motto, and you can help to spread the message.
4 Commitment to a cause
Volunteering at a shelter is usually a regular arrangement and you will become an unpaid part of the team who they rely upon. This calls for commitment, rain or shine, all year around. Honestly, not everyone is prepared to do this.
Committing to a cause like this is great for your personal growth, and not bad for your CV either. It demonstrates your loyalty and your interest in more than just money, but your passion for something important too.
5 Animal company is therapeutic
Whatever you struggle with during your working week, telling your problems to a cat or a dog is surprisingly therapeutic. Also, switching your focus from ‘poor me’ to some poor animals is a real perspective changer.
So give it a try; share your problems with a furry friend, they never judge. In the past, dog walking has got me through all sorts of stress. And having to drag yourself outside when you least fancy it usually ends up doing you good.
Read also – Your Essential Guide to Welcoming a New Cat Home
Animals are very mindful beings; they live in the present moment. One of the biggest causes of stress and discomfort in humans is that we do not spend enough time being present. We either dwell on the past or worry about the future.
I think that animals are mindfulness masters for this reason. When you spend time around them, if you pay attention I think you will see what I mean. How often do you volunteer at an animal shelter?
