Somewhere I Have Never Been Before

             While driving to the shelter yesterday I felt slightly apprehensive about arriving.  I wondered if it was going to be too much for me to handle or if I was going to see or hear something that I couldn’t handle mentally.  However, my experience was wonderful.  Although knowing about the euthanasia process does not sit well with me, I now understand that it is necessary.  In addition, realizing that I can impact several animals’ lives- makes me eager to help as many as I can throughout our course. 
             For me the first thing I noticed was the shelter’s smell- just like a hospital but a soiled carpet odor lingered.  I found the shelter to be exceptionally clean in which I learned was necessary in order to prevent bacterial/viral transmissions.   Seeing the quarantined and isolation areas made me feel guilty and sad.  I was sad because I felt bad for the animals because even though, for example, some cats were vicious, I noticed they were locked up in one foot square box.  I tried not to focus on this during our initial tour. 
             The second most gut wrenching sight for me was when a volunteer was dragging a petrified dog into the back of the shelter.  You could just see in his face, ears, body, and actions that he was terrified and not wanting to go where they were taking him- I also immediately deleted this out of my mind at the moment.  In terms of sound, the only area well I felt negative energy was around the dog kennels.  Interestingly, my spirit was lifted when I heard the voice of a little boy “oohing” and “ahhing” at several cute kitties down the hallway.  Also, I could tell by some dogs’ bark and cats’ meow that they were unhappy but I saw and spoke with several extremely happy critters as well. 
                Based on what I wrote, I can only imagine what the animals are feeling and thinking.  I know some felt at home and well-taken care of.  I witnessed the terror of others and heard the sadness in a few barks and meows.  Overall, I could feel their desire and need for true love and compassion.  That is what the shelter was missing- the feeling of being at home where love circulates the environment which on a regular basis we do not realize is there.  The staff was awesome and made me feel motivated to do what they do or all that I can do to help- which I most certainly will out of passion.  Here are my best shots of the day.


This is Kricket.  He was not previously photographed and I felt challeneged to capture a black animal.