Resolve to volunteer
By Christine Foster

Made many resolutions this year? Was one to find some time to volunteer with a charity dear to your heart? With another New Year the SPA continues to bring hope, health and homes to the neglected dogs and cats of SMA, and it’s time to remind anyone interested in volunteering that we have just the right volunteer opportunity for you.

Here are some categories to review and consider.

Special needs. This job requires a minimum of 1½ hours per week on a regular schedule. The volunteer would work with animals that need help adjusting to shelter life. It could involve working with different animals each week, possibly with extra cuddling, or special food supplementation as each individual’s needs are met.

Puppy or kitten socializing. This job is perfect for someone who is just in San Miguel for a short period of time but would like to spend time with the animals or someone who would just like to come by occasionally for an hour or so to help, but cannot make a weekly time commitment.

On-site dog mentorship. This volunteer must make a commitment of a minimum of two days per week for at least 40 minutes per dog mentored. This is one-on-one contact with a dog of your choice, working on a program to make them a more adoptable animal.

Fostering. We desperately need foster parents for temporary home care for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Volunteers can sign up for a week or two on a temporary basis or can have your name put on a list to call in case an emergency placement is needed.

Basic obedience. A select group of volunteers will be working with dogs on basic training. If you have some experience in training dogs or would be willing to commit time to learn the procedures, this might be the right task for you. 

Meanwhile, remember we are always looking for old towels, newspapers, cleaning supplies, pet food, toys and care products.

And please do come down to the shelter (Los Pinos 7, near the central bus station), 11am–2pm any weekday to meet animals like the beautiful cat Minerva and dog Tippy, pictured here. Call 152-6124 to make an appointment for Monday or Thursday at 11am for an orientation if you want to volunteer. You also can email Kathi at kathamblet@gmail.com  for further information on the dog volunteer programs.