For Abigail Counts, volunteering at the Wilco Regional Animal Shelter has been a rewarding way to give back to the place that not only helped her find a furry friend but also raised funds when her dog needed surgery.
When Abigail adopted her from WCRAS in 2019, Bella Bree was nearly 8 years old and had been in and out of the shelter for five years. Many of the volunteers and staff knew and adored their long-time lovable, so when Bella Bree needed surgery, one of the volunteers set up a fundraiser for her that received donations from many members of the shelter community. The nonprofit Fans of Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter also provided financial assistance to help Bella Bree get the surgery she needed. “It was incredible,” Abigail says. “She passed away suddenly six months ago, and I could think of no better way to honor her memory than to help out at the shelter that brought us together. The volunteer community is amazing and welcomed me with open arms.”
Now Abigail stops by almost every day to walk the dogs, a volunteer task she says is crucial since WCRAS is frequently over capacity and relies on volunteers to make sure the dogs get a break from their kennels every day. During their outdoor adventures, she takes pictures of them for social media and spends time getting to know their personalities to help match them with the right families. “The more we know about the dogs, the better we can advocate for them.”
Her favorite part of volunteering is connecting with so many amazing animals. “Sometimes it’s bittersweet when they’re adopted because I miss them, but I know they are so much happier in homes.”
HAVE A HEART FOR HELPING?
Volunteer opportunities abound at the shelter and one of them is bound to be in your wheelhouse:
- Walk dogs
- Socialize dogs and cats
- Foster animals
- Clean kennels, wash dishes and laundry, handle administrative tasks
- Sort and organize donations
- Work at off-site events
- Help with photography and videos of shelter animals
- Assist with special projects; e.g., assembling shelves, data entry, and research
Volunteers are always needed to provide extra hands and hours to shelter dogs and cats, Community Programs Coordinator April Peiffer says. “The more people there are to care for these deserving creatures, the better job we can do for each and every one of them. Volunteers get a lot from the experience as well, as volunteering here is incredibly rewarding. Ask any shelter volunteer what a joy it is to see their favorites move on to loving new homes, and you will see a face light up in a way you won’t soon forget.”
Visit their website learn how to become a volunteer and start making a difference in the lives of shelter animals.
Adopter Turned Volunteer
After adopting a puppy from the shelter in 2019, Natalie Aguilar was inspired to help other furry friends find forever homes. “I learned all the ways I could volunteer and help my community and wanted to give back doing something I enjoyed.”
Natalie serves wherever she is needed. She cleans at the shelter, fosters and promotes adoptable dogs on various websites, and helps with fundraisers, offsite dog adoption events, and foster and volunteer appreciation events.
She loves being surrounded by other animal lovers who truly care about the pets in their care. “They go above and beyond to make sure the shelter is clean and all the animals are taken care of. Just one great example — when it’s icy or snowy outside, shelter staff will sleep overnight on cots up at the shelter to make sure there are no delays in morning care due to weather. They are truly the best shelter around!”