animal instincts

Continued from page 4 benefits of being around animals is the socialization factor. Puppies and kittens seem to naturally draw people together and get them talking.

For the last four years, Helen Finkelstein has been giving time and energy to AHS. She started out at the Mansell facility in Alpharetta, where she walked dogs, giving them much-needed attention and exercise.

These days, she’s at the Howell Mill location working in Admissions; she mostly washes dishes and does laundry. It seems a natural fit for her after retiring from 20 years in the food service industry.

“You’d be amazed just how much there is to do,” she said, “but I enjoy coming here. It’s a real pleasure to be with these people. AHS truly appreciates all its volunteers.”

Finkelstein added that the flexibility of the volunteering schedule makes it convenient, too. She works for two hour stretches at a time, and can put in her hours anywhere from 8 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Dogs provide protection and exercise. Since pooches need to be walked, their owners have a good reason to get outside and move around. A University of Missouri study determined that while all older adults benefited from the bonds with their pets, dog owners also benefited from the low-impact exercise they received while taking them out for walks.

“I’ve always been a volunteer, and I’ve always loved animals,” said Cynthia Hilden, explaining what drew her to AHS. A retired college dean, she relocated to Atlanta five years ago from a town with a population of 700 set in the mountains of Oregon.

Moving here brought her closer to family members, but it’s been quite a culture shock living in a sprawling metropolis in the South. AHS is one of the places where she can feel a little more at home.

Hilden has been volunteering at AHS for the past four years or so. She said that the facility is extraordinary—roomy and clean—and the staff is good to their volunteers. Generally, she devotes a few hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, happily doing whatever needs to be done.

“I feel very strongly about responsible stewardship. The way we care for others who depend upon us is a clear indication of our evolution as a society,” Hilden said. “I give as much love and care to the animals as I can while I’m here, especially since some of them have had bad experiences.”

She knows how love can turn a life around. One of her cats, a rescue named Quincy Jones, was in bad shape before she took him home. According to Hilden, today he is big, strong and healthy. The most responsible and rewarding way to bring a pet into your life is to adopt it from a shelter. While there are no exact numbers, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), estimates that, in the U.S., approximately 2.7 million shelter animals are adopted each year. That’s 1.4 million dogs and 1.3 million cats.

AHS adoption centers in Midtown and Alpharetta are open 7 days a week. Last year, more than 8,000 people found love at these facilities by adopting a new family member.

The AHS has many volunteering opportunities for seniors. From helping with adoptable animals, assisting their admissions team or working events, it’s easy to find a position that suits everyone’s interests and schedule. Volunteers need to commit to volunteering for six months for at least six hours per month. Volunteers are fully trained by AHS staff and experienced volunteers. Go to atlantahumane.org/volunteer to submit a volunteer application.

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“We serve 450 animals every month, and we haven’t ever turned anyone away,” said Kevin Bryant, P.A.L.S. Executive Director. P.A.L.S. is located at 2055 Liddell Drive NE, Atlanta, 30324. Learn more at palsatlanta.org.

Another non-profit organization, WellPet Humane, is a pet clinic devoted to the veterinary care of animals owned by people who are financially struggling and by seniors living on a fixed income.

Donations to WellPet’s LifeSaver Fund pay for operations for pets in need. WellPet Humane is at 6225 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Atlanta, 30360. Find out more at wellpethumane.com.