It’s a pretty ubiquitous bumper-sticker: “Have you hugged your dog/cat today?”
Lots of pet owners can smile inwardly at that and respond in the positive. The benefits of pet ownership are widely reported – lower blood pressure and stress levels, better overall health from daily walks with the dog, etc.
But how many of us can say we’ve “hugged” a dog or cat today – as a part of our job?
Before you get the wrong idea, hear me out: we’re not advocating the actual “hugging” of any animal – especially a dog. (Dogs see hugging as a sign of dominance – don’t go there unless you’re ready for a trip to the E.R…!)
This is more about the pluses of working at an animal shelter: it doesn’t bring you great monetary wealth, but there are some other very amazing benefits! How many people can take a break on a stressful day, go grab a cat and cuddle for awhile, or leash up a dog from the room next to them and head out for some fresh air – while on the clock, no less! And this not only benefits the stressed out worker, but it is great socialization for the pet. Not a bad health plan for all involved.
Life at a humane society is unique. Emotional. Sometimes controversial. But never, ever is it dull. And never is there a shortage of adoptable animals willing to help with that stress issue, or even in need of a little help of their own.
Socializing pets is extremely important. When a pet is socialized, it is more likely to be considered well-behaved. Pets look to us for cues, but they also draw on experience to indicate what is appropriate: if a dog has been exposed to many different people and situations, it will be calmer in the face of the unknown. Cats are an independent species, but that next trip to the vet will go much more smoothly if your feline is used to being handled. House rabbits blossom with human attention, as do other small animals. Human-pet interaction at HAWS makes our animals more adoptable, which is the best end result.
Even if you don’t work here, you can “hug” a dog or cat today, too - or a rabbit or ferret or.... We’re always looking for volunteers to help as dog-walkers, cat socializers, small animal exercisers – whatever species is your favorite. Who knows, some day you could become a snake handler!
But that’s another story…
By the way – we regularly hold classes geared towards socializing puppies and enjoyable cat-human activities – log onto our website for info.
