Pets of the Month

you and put you in touch with current fosters who’ll tell you about the best gig they’ve ever had. e day-to-day care of shelter animals (above all, routine and emergency veterinary care) remains the biggest strain on a rescue’s nances and resources. Many rescues o er programs that allow volunteer adults (and sometimes, supervised children) to help with daily care for some animals, including feeding and site cleaning. Other needs might include helping with animal adoptions, sta ng booths at public events or pet supply stores, driving pets to and from vet appointments, picking up adoptable animals from airports or distant shelters, helping with routine grooming or medicating, making shopping trips for supplies, and coordinating exercise or playtime. Ask your rescue’s volunteer coordinator about their current needs. Rescue Groups Need Your Business and Life Skills

Animal rescue groups welcome volunteers who have skills and connections in nance, tech, fundraising, advertising, marketing, public relations, education, social media, training, construction and maintenance, logistics, and transportation, among many others. Because every nonpro t rescue has had to become even more savvy about running a successful organization in challenging times, your knowledge and work experience are in high demand.

No matter what your interests or professional background, you and your family have expertise that your local rescue would love to call on you for. Just ask them.

It’s Important to Keep Yourself and Your Rescue Friends Healthy

Most rescues will require you to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and to be free of

About the Author – Selice volunteered as an adoption counselor at King Street Cats in Alexandria for seven years. COVID symptoms and other infectious illnesses if you visit or volunteer. ey may also require you to follow mask and other safety guidelines. e Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says in its most recent pandemic update: “ e virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact. Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly a er close contact with people with COVID-19. . . . e risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low.”

Keep up to date on COVID-19 by checking the websites for the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA; see Resources).

Even in challenging times like these, volunteering at an animal rescue is doable, ful lling, and fun. And it could be just what some deserving and lovable creatures near you want and need.

PETS

OF THE MONTH

By Gina Hardter

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

Jazz

It may be the back-to-school season, but Jazz has spent the entire summer with his nose in the “cat training” book. Thanks to his teachers at the AWLA, the 5-year-old gray and white kitty has already perfected a variety of tricks, including Sit, Down, Spin and even the demanding Sit Pretty. Who even knew you could teach a cat tricks? Jazz is ready to bring his booklearning to a brand new home of his own AND his adoption fees have been prepaid by a generous donor, so schedule time to meet him today by contacting the AWLA at Adopt@AlexandriaAnimals.org or 703.746.4774.

Link

At 9 years old, Link knows you’re never too old to learn a new trick or two, and he already has a pretty broad repertoire, including Sit, Stay and Shake. But at Backto-School time, this Labrador retriever mix is ready to start a new training routine, one that involves long walks in the morning with lots of snif ng (to stimulate the body and mind), hearty meals and lots of treats in reward for all his new skills. If you’re ready to put on your teaching hat, Link is ready to learn. Schedule time to meet Link by emailing Adopt@ AlexandriaAnimals.org.

Buntilda

What’s Buntilda’s favorite thing about the Back-to-School season? Pre-packaged veggie snacks, of course! Whether it’s apple slices, leafy greens, broccoli or, yes, carrots, Buntilda is happy for something to munch on as she’s going about her day. This 16-month-old American rabbit also enjoys the naptime portion of school and well as arts and crafts. Learn more about her artistic sensibilities by emailing Adopt@ AlexandriaAnimals.org.