When I was volunteering at a local shelter this weekend I saw a poster on the wall that read “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” It really hit home for me because while I’ve been volunteering for animal rescue efforts for years I never thought of it that way. But it really makes sense because I ALWAYS feel wonderful while I am there, like I am really living and making a difference, giving back to my community, even it if it’s for one dog or one cat. It is my happy place being with all of those animals, loving on them, feeding them, cleaning up after them and being rewarded with head-bumps, purrs, wagging tails, kisses, snuggles and the best reward is seeing them overcome their past and then finding their much deserved forever homes.
Even if you don’t have time to volunteer every day, imagine how much of a difference you would make in a rescue cat or dog’s life if you volunteered once a week or even once a month. The love, attention and care that you provide to rescue cats and dogs is equally as valuable for them as it is for you. Studies have shown that being around animals is good for your health, lowers blood pressure, and can even elongate your life!
I hear all the time, “oh, I couldn’t volunteer, it would be too hard” or “I’d want to take them all home so I just can’t”. Trust me, I totally understand and while there are definitely some difficult days, the good absolutely outweigh the bad. AND the difference you make in the animals’ lives by being there for them is priceless. I always think, what if I wasn’t there, would that cat have passed alone? Or would that cat have been loved on this week? Would that cat or dog have been adopted? Or would that friendly, adoptable dog really have been put down at the age of 1? All I know is that I am glad that I am able to be there for those cats and dogs and I am thankful to them for the love they have given me and for being the resilient, amazing creatures that they are no matter what they may have gone through in the past.
Doing something for someone that can never repay you is truly a wonderful thing. I highly recommend volunteering your time to whatever you are passionate about; it is absolutely worth it and in my opinion it is a big part of what life is all about.