They asked us what animals we were comfortable working with and gave us an overview of what to expect during the day.
2
Walk Dogs
We spent the first couple of hours taking pairs of dogs for a walk.
3
Clean Cat Kennels
We spent the rest of the day cleaning six large kennels that housed more than 200 happy cats!
Volunteer | 18 October 2017
Mike
While working and vacationing on the Big Island of Hawaii, my wife Debbie and I were lucky enough to volunteer at the Rainbow Friends Animal Shelter. During our time on the island, we noticed that there were groups of stray cats, as well as the occasional stray dog. My first inclination was to say hi to them and possibly pet them if they seemed nice, but I wouldn't advise anyone else do this. Then one night while walking out of a restaurant, I saw a sign for Rainbow Friends Animal Shelter that said; "Volunteers Needed". That was all I needed to see and the next day I called them and set up a time for Debbie and I to volunteer.
Our day started with an orientation that helped us to decide what we would be doing for the day. They asked if we preferred cats or dogs and we said we liked them both ...even though I like dogs a little better. Sorry cats! We then started to walk pairs of dogs for about 25-30 minutes each. Every dog seemed thrilled to be going for a walk and we felt the same. When we got back from each walk, we would mark down which dogs we had exercised. I thought it was great that the shelter kept track of which dogs had been walked and on what date. This helped to ensure that no dog had to go too long without exercise. And from the records, we could see that most were getting walked three days a week. This in addition to the shelter providing the largest kennels I have ever seen, meant that all of the dogs we spent time with were happy, healthy, and ready to be adopted.
Next came time for us to work with the cats. Rainbow Friends shelters more than 200 cats in five large catteries. We spent the remainder of our day cleaning these large cat shelters. That included moving furniture, food, toys, litter boxes, and the occasional cat so that we could sweep and mop every inch of the floors in their shelters. I'm happy to say that the shelters were in pretty good shape when we started but the cats seemed to be even happier and more excited once we finished our cleaning.
We had a great day at Rainbow Friends Animal Shelter and I wish that we lived closer so that we could visit on a regular basis. If you ever find yourself on the Big Island of Hawaii, or if you are lucky enough to live there, I know that there are hundreds of four-legged friends who would love to have you stop by for a visit. Who knows, you may even find a new companion that you decide to take home with you!
The Organization
Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary
Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non profit organization dedicated to the well-being of Hawaii’s unwanted, rejected, abandoned, abused or otherwise neglected animals, especially companion animals. Their services include rescuing, fostering, provision of food, medical care and safe sheltering of these creatures until they can be permanently placed into caring and responsible homes. Some animals may live out their lives at the Sanctuary, or foster locations, or be returned to their human companions.
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