Animals Shelter Volunteers Talk About Their Motivation

Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter Director Stanley-Brown recently asked her volunteers/fosters questions about why they do what they do.

How did you get started volunteering/fostering at the animal shelter and how long have you been involved?

Jamie Lusk - “I started volunteering at the shelter about seven years ago. At the time, I was living in Houston and would visit Schulenburg every other weekend. When Hurricane Harvey hit I was stranded in Schulenburg so I looked for animal volunteering options. I contacted the shelter and they welcomed me out to the shelter as soon as I could make it. I went the following day and fell in love with the animals. I officially moved to Schulenburg five years ago and volunteer every chance I get.”

Susan Vecera - “I started volunteering three years ago as a suggestion by a friend who was already a volunteer. I usually get my exercise by walking in the afternoon so why not go to the shelter and walk dogs.”

Melinda Dunk - “I have always had a love for all animals, especially dogs. I wanted to become a volunteer but could not make myself sign up because I felt sorry for the animals not having a home. I decided to give it a try and I have not looked back. I have been a volunteer for 2½ years.

Antoinette Syler - “My husband and I moved to the area in 2020 during COVID. The following summer I found the animal shelter and reached out. They welcomed me with open arms! In fact, they asked if I could stay the same day I filled out the paperwork and I have been volunteering ever since.”

What are some of the things you help with as a volunteer/ foster and what are the benefits to you as a volunteer/ foster?

Susan Vecera - “I get my exercise and the social interaction with the animals gives me great satisfaction because I feel I am making a positive difference in their lives.”

Jamie Lusk - “Volunteering and fostering have been incredibly beneficial for me because it brings peace to my soul. Knowing that I’m helping an animal (in any capacity) is more rewarding than any paycheck. Because I volunteer, I’m able to help the staff out with tasks that they normally might not have time for. As a volunteer, you get to do the ‘good stuff’.”

Melinda Dunk - “Some of our jobs as a volunteer are cleaning kennels, rotating dogs for their outside time, walking dogs that have had surgery, filling water buckets, helping introduce dogs to potential adopters, meeting and greeting shelter dogs with the adopter’s family dog, spending time with scared dogs, bathe dogs, assist in the cat room, play with the kitties, and the list goes on and on. I am there for the animals!”

How does volunteering/fostering help the dogs/cats in our care?

Susan Vecera - “It gives the animals more people interaction making them more social and adoptable. No matter how hard we work to socialize, train, and help a dog learn to trust, the shelter is a stressful environment. When you start to see that scared dog come to the kennel gate and be ready to go for a walk or play in the yard with a friend, you know you’re making a difference in that animal’s life.”

Jamie Lusk - “Knowing that I can help a dog feel special and loved even if for just a bit is the best feeling. Seeing the transformation some dogs make while at the shelter is heartwarming. Because I volunteer I’m able to help the staff out with tasks that they normally might not have time for. As a foster, I can open a kennel for another fur baby in need. The benefits of volunteering and fostering are countless.”

Melinda Dunk - “Volunteering helps the dogs by giving them extra time for longer walks and by allowing them some one-on-one love and attention. Many dogs come in very scared and confused and to see them learn to love and trust is amazing.”

Antoinette Syler - “As a volunteer, you can spend time with them assuring them that they are in a safe and caring environment. I have seen some dogs just blossom at the shelter when at first they were terribly frightened and, in time, most become outgoing and friendly. For some dogs, the shelter is the first safe and loving home they have experienced, and volunteers help build that trust.”

Share something you want our community to know about the shelter and the volunteer/foster programs.

Jamie Lusk - “There is no easy or slow day at the shelter and we need you! The pups and kits need you! We’re an amazing team who fights for the animals in need in our community 24 hours a day. If you’re wanting a soul-cleansing experience where you laugh, love, (and cry), please open your heart to volunteering or fostering. The shelter will provide you with everything you need to make your experience a joyous success. Together we can do remarkable things to help those that can’t help themselves and give each of them the PAWsitive life they deserve. Working with amazing staff members and fellow volunteers is beyond rewarding. Being part of a team that truly has an animal-loving heart keeps me wanting more...more time with the babies, more time with adopters, more time promoting... it’s truly a life-changing experience.”

Antoinette Syler - “There are so many things happening here, every minute of every day, I wouldn’t know where to start. Animals are dependent on people.You can make a difference by being responsible for those in your care. Contribute to the shelter. Whatever it is you won’t regret it.”

Melinda Dunk - “Fayette County has an amazing animal shelter. Please take the time to stop by and visit. Continue to donate. The employees and volunteers do amazing work. If you cannot adopt or foster, please volunteer. Since we have been at full capacity for almost three years, my goal is to clear the shelter. We have some amazing, smart animals.”

“Enrich your life, and theirs too! Our volunteer programs, including fosters and transporters, are the lifeline for saving these lives. We need the help of volunteers in everything we do every day and we are grateful for any amount of time on any day you can help. There is never a dull moment at the animal shelter. Join us!You won’t regret it,” said Stanley-Brown.