Time, Talent, and Heart

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

With summer in full swing, you might be looking for a way to get out into the community, give back, and get involved! Warmer weather typically means there will be more animals in the shelter so summer is a great time to start volunteering at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS).

In 2022, the shelter took in 7,271 dogs and cats, and caring for them all takes a village – one that consists of staff, volunteers, and fosters. Fortunately, also in 2022, the facility had 555 active volunteers who gave 18,875 hours of their time to help staff continue their lifesaving mission of caring for each animal that comes through the doors hoping for a new, loving home. “Volunteers are beneficial to the shelter because they provide those extra hands and hours to the dogs and cats in our care,” WCRAS Commu-

nity Programs Coordinator April Peiffer says. “The more people there are to care for these deserving creatures, the better job we can do for each one. Volunteers get a lot from the experience as well, as volunteering here is incredibly rewarding – ask any shelter volunteer what a joy it is to see their favorite dog or cat move on to a new adventure, and you will see a face light up in a way you won't soon forget.”

HAVE A HEART FOR HELPING?

Volunteer opportunities abound at WCRAS and one of them is bound to be in your wheelhouse. You can:

• Walk dogs

• Socialize dogs and cats

• Foster a dog or a family of kittens

• Clean kennels, help with laundry, or special administrative tasks

• Work at off-site events

• Help with photography and videos of shelter animals

• Assist with special projects; e.g., assembling shelves, doing research or data entry

April says, “An animal shelter consists of many moving parts, each of them working together to ensure the best outcome for each animal, and there's opportunity for volunteerism every step of the way.”