When you volunteer at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, it’s acceptable to have more than one “boyfriend” at a time. And by “boyfriend”, I mean one of the male shelter dogs I walk every day. Luckily, most of the dogs are adopted out fairly quickly, but alas, new dogs arrive daily. Inevitably there are a few dogs that each of the volunteers is drawn to, spending just a little bit more time walking, throwing the ball or cuddling on the bench.
When I meet a few that I really like, I call them my “boyfriends” because they are the best companions, confidants and co-pilots. They are everything you want in a good boyfriend without the “mess”. All in good fun … if they act up, you can put them back in their kennel. If they talk back, you can tell them to shush! If
they jump on you, you can tell them to sit.
Just this past week, Titan, Cody and Macaroni have been my “boyfriends”. They all happen to be the most beautiful and adoring Pitties. Titan is the strong, silent type. He loves to be close to you while guarding against would-be competitors. You’ll always be safe with Titan. Cody is always happy to see you. He loves to take a stroll through the woods and will give you big kisses and hugs. You’ll always have a best friend with Cody. Macaroni is another Pittie, playing the role of Labrador. He’ll bury his head into your lap and calmly keep you company while appreciating every ounce of your affection. You’ll always
feel special with Macaroni.
And of course, it goes without saying that I couldn’t do without a few canine “girlfriends”, like Faye, Josephine and Lita who love to get the dirt (literally) on all the boys.
The shelter has a myriad of wonderful breeds available for adoption. From Shepards to Hounds to Labradors – from puppies to seniors, whatever your reference, coming to the ACAS is your chance to fall in love with your next boyfriend or girlfriend.
Each dog is an individual with its own personality and history. It is up to us to recognize them for who they are and try to accommodate them in this unfamiliar and sometimes stressful environment. Giving them our positive and reassuring energy is the least we can do for them. Because, as we say at the shelter, “Their lives are in our hands.”
by Barbara Ambach, FOTAS Volunteer