There’s not enough time in the day. Time flies. Where does the time go? Where does one find the time? Time is of the essence. On borrowed time. A race against time. And of course, time is money.
Everyone’s heard the expressions, and I think if we all gave it some thought most of us would agree that there’s not much in this world more valuable than time. So what do you call people who are donating their precious, invaluable time to help others? These selfless, empathetic, charitable, munificent people. Heroes? We probably should. But more commonly we call them volunteers.
When I came to the Animal Protective Foundation almost a year ago, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I wanted (needed) a career change. I felt very jaded and disheartened about the world and the people in it. I wanted a career where I could give back, help and feel like I was making a difference. I thought working with animals — a longtime passion of mine — and volunteers, people who I already considered caring people, would be just what I needed. Well, I was right … but completely underestimated just how incredible an experience it would be.
Sunday begins National Volunteer Week and this year’s theme is “Something for Everyone.” And I can assure you that is 100% true here at APF.
In my time here I’ve seen volunteers come in early, stay late, sign up for extra shifts and jump at a moment’s notice to pitch in with something they’ve never done or seen (or smelled) before. I’ve seen them shed tears of sadness for sick animals and tears of joy when an animal finds its forever home.
I find it so difficult to express my gratitude and appreciation for the people who volunteer their time at APF week after week, month after month. Everyone comes in ready to help with anything and everything. No job is too big, too small or too … yucky. They are all here to help in any way they can. They are here to help animals in need and help the people who have devoted their lives to helping animals.
There are some people who think volunteering at an animal shelter is sitting in a room and having a box full of kittens or puppies dumped on top of them while yacht rock plays in the background. But the truth is there is a lot of work involved in keeping the animals happy, healthy and feeling safe. There’s medical work, behavioral work, feedings, walks, training, cleaning (so much cleaning), laundry, dishes, sweeping, mopping, disinfecting … the list goes on and on. And most of the work isn’t working directly with the animals. There’s so much that has to be done to keep APF clean, safe and running smoothly, and it would be impossible without the help of our volunteers.
In the past year we have doubled the number of volunteers who come in to help. We have volunteers who help at our off-site events; others who help our clients at the front desk; some who help sort our bottles and cans for redemption; even a few who make surgical packs for our spay and neuter clinic; and, of course, dozens of volunteers who help with the feeding, cleaning, enrichment and more direct animal care.
I could go on and on about how much the volunteers at APF inspire me and make my heart feel so full but I have a lot to do. If only I had more time.
Frank Sicari is the volunteer and community engagement manager of the Animal Protective Foundation. APF contributes Animal Chronicles articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community. Visit animalprotective.org, follow us on social media @AnimalProtectiveFoundation or email chronicles@animalprotective.org.
