We certainly have had interesting bunnies over the years. There was that giant bunny about four years ago - he was a happy bunny but dwarfed most of the children, there were other good bunnies too...and some not so good, like the psycho bunny last year. Each year I make the phone call to let them know the date is coming up and then on the "selection day" I spend time with a staff or volunteer who knows the personality of each bunny. We handle each bunny they suggest and select the best one to work with children (although sometimes we are fooled it would seem). Yes, there are many bunnies that are awaiting adoption. The bunnies stay at "club Kaiser" for two days and then are returned, well fed with carrots and a clean cage. We really love having them around and the kids love them too!
About a week later I make arrangements to do a photograph with the donation for the Shelter. This year, as I waited for Kate Andrews for the photo op, I was looking around at the bulletin boards. I looked at each one carefully, not just a passing glance like before, but at each of the faces in the hundreds of snapshots of happy people and happy pets. While I'm sure these are just a small sampling of families that have adopted from there, it really hit me the difference these volunteers and staff members make not just in human lives but animal lives too. The people in the photos found companionship and love that only a pet can bring and the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter brought them together.
I thought about the work that these people do. Mostly volunteers. As I observed what was going on around me, there was someone taking dogs one at a time for a walk, several others cleaning cages, and someone taking care of phone calls - all before regular visiting hours begin. A recently adopted pet arrived for neutering (part of the adoption process) and everyone gathered around the kitten to see how he was doing. The owner beamed as she talked about how the cat was quickly accepted by her other two cats at home and how happy they were to have a new family addition. After a couple minutes of "cooing" over the cat, it was back to work.
Their work is tireless and goes mostly unnoticed by you and I. Their officers also rescue animals and I was horrified looking at another bulletin board where there was a progress poster of a dog who was rescued and near starvation. I don't understand the cruelty and lack of care by some pet owners. This particular story is a happy one though, thanks to the hard work of the shelter. The dog was restored to full health and I met the little guy in person, all happy and furry and adopted by one of the staff members!
The Shelter does such wonderful work but it takes money. This is why myself and many other organizations and individuals work hard raising money to make donations. Every animal is vaccinated, well fed and cared for; the building overhead, insurances, and salaries are all maintained but it all takes money. Each year our bunny portrait donation varies but no matter what it is, it is so appreciated by the shelter. They appreciate every donation no matter the size.
If you love animals and have some extra love to share, they are always looking for volunteers. Even if you can only give a couple hours a week. If you want to help with expenses, no donation is too small. But most of all, if you want to share some love, adopt a pet from them. I know each time I go there I want to take home every animal there! Who can resist such cuteness!
For complete information please visit their website or call.
http://www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/
