GEORGE NEWS - Playing with puppies? Meeting charming dogs and people in the fresh air? It doesn't get better than that. So, if you're over 16, come along to the SPCA in George for dog-walking as long as it isn't pouring with rain. The staff don’t like dogs returning to kennels wet or cold.
Your time there can be as busy or relaxed as you like. Some volunteers walk dogs around the field; some just sit down next to a stressed dog and talk to it softly; others stay in the pens to play with the ones that get along together.
The walking is good low-impact exercise, and the only danger in the pen is that a puppy might piddle on you.
"You can be feeling down and the dogs have a way of cheering you up," says GR SPCA volunteer Kerry King, who has supervised the walking for six years and adopted one of the dogs that she met. The best is the change you see when a very scared dog responds to some TLC. It makes you feel like you have made a difference.
"Then, of course, when a dog gets adopted - what a thrill. The worst thing is that we just never seem to get fewer dogs. That's why sterilisation is so important," says King.
There's no shortage of lighter moments. "We had a very stubborn basset hound who would suddenly decide he had had enough walking and just lie down," recalls King. "They are very heavy dogs, so we would all have to carry him back to the pen, where he would run around happily."
If you're thinking of adopting from the SPCA, dog-walking is a great way to meet the animals and see who you get on with. And if, sadly, you've recently lost a furry friend, it's a good way to spend time with ones in need of love, without committing yourself to a new one. You can even play with and cuddle the cats if you prefer felines. Pop along!
The SPCA extends sincere thanks to every one of the volunteers who give their time to help de-stress and love previously unwanted dogs and cats. Contact the SPCA on 044 878 1990 for more info.
By Bruno MacDonald, SPCA committee member and volunteer
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