Shelters, Volunteerism, & Really Cute Animals

I've moved. And I felt it necessary to involve myself in the community - basically because I like it here, and feel that it is worthwhile to invest my time here. So since I can't adopt anymore animals (husband said hell no), I thought it would be nice to volunteer at an animal shelter. The shelter I found is a non-profit organization that shelters cats and dogs. They are the Animal Resource Foundation. What I wanted to do today was introduce you to some of my friends that I've met while volunteering there. I volunteer each Friday, and throughout the week I can't wait to go back. Sure, I have to clean out litter boxes, sweep and mop floors - but it's worth it to play with animals that don't have a forever home and a family life that I provide to my own cats. Also, while I'm only there to volunteer to clean the cat rooms, I take the time to spend with some of the dogs (mainly puppies, but I say hi to the older ones too) because well, I always wish I could take a dog home with me as well. Let me tell you, if husband and I owned a house, we'd be in trouble. That place would be a farm of animals.

ARF has a website (see the link above) where you can see the animals that are still up for adoption. Sometimes the pictures do them justice, sometimes you are missing the cuteness that they exude. If you live in the DC/Baltimore area (it's actually closer to B-More, but worth the hour drive up here from the DC area anyway - shit, I do it every week to get to work) I would consider checking these guys out if you want to adopt an animal.

So without further ado, I introduce you to my new friends!

This is Autumn. She is a calico (almost) adult cat - she is one of a mother/daughter combo (I'm not sure if she's the mother or daughter). She is very sweet, and follows me around so that I can pet her. Her meow sounds like a creaky door. I think she'd fit in perfectly in our home, but husband says no.

This is Dexter. Dexter is a kitten who became friends with me this past Sunday. A feisty little guy who wants to play all the time. He resides in the kitten room with 13 other little guys who are ridiculously adorable. I wanted to take Dexter home as a playmate for Mr. Ratman, but husband said no. As much as I hope Dexter gets adopted, I wouldn't mind playing with him again when I go volunteer. He's fun.

This is Mason (left) and (i think) Mooch (right). I don't know too much about the puppies since I don't spend too much time with them - but, if you are looking for puppies there are a bunch of them! These guys are lab mixes and love to play. They would nibble on my hand and just fight for my attention. And, look at those faces! When Mason was loose at the shelter, he liked to chase the cats around. He would often get swatted at - but he kept going.

Sydney is a beautiful and intelligent shepherd mix. On my third day coming into the shelter she began to get used to my presence. I think they said she's a little older than 1 - if you check the website you can get better information. She has a load of energy and loves to play with this block that you put a treat in the middle of. She's pretty smart and can get the treat out fairly quick. You can't see them, but she has beautiful brown eyes. I would like a dog like Sydney.

This is a close up of a mom. I call her mom, because she wasn't named yet. She just came in last Saturday with a litter of 10 puppies. Mom is a chocolate lab and the friendliest thing on earth! She would jump up on the fence to say hello to me with her tail wagging. Just a precious and happy mom. I like her.

These are mom's puppies. They are believed to be Chesapeake Retriever/Chocolate Lab mixes. In this picture they are about a week old. ARF was in the process of building a new room to house mom and the puppies on Sunday. I can't wait to see it!

I think this is Doody. He comes from a crazy litter of puppies - some with terrier hair, another with curly hair, some black, and then Doody. I'm not sure what kind of dog he is, but all I know is that he is adorable. He loves attention, and will whine when you're petting one of his siblings. I think he was being fostered last time I was there - or he found a forever home. But I just wanted to put this up so you could see what a cute guy he was.

And finally, Shortie. Shortie is a kitten that lives in the kitten room with Dexter and 12 other little furballs. If you look at Shortie's tail, you can see that she has a nub tail! Apparently, she was born with a little nub tail. I love it. Like all kittens, Shortie is very curious and also follows you around while you're cleaning their room. This is a shot of her napping after running around and eating. Damn, I love kittens.

There you have it. Those are some photos I've taken of the friends I've made so far at the shelter. There is a huge overpopulation of cats around the area. Husband and I are taking care of a family of ferile kittens that are in the woods across the street from our place. My goal is to catch them and fix them before the cold weather comes. I have a feeling Mr. Ratman was hanging out with them last night. They came pretty close to me when I brought them fresh water.

If you'd like more information on the place I volunteer at, please go to www.arfusa.org. There, you can see the full family of animals looking for a forever home. Read more...