By Tanya M. Ursual

From The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) L.A.W.S., P.O. Box 156, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 4T1:

LAWS Staff reveal favourite part of their workday

“Animal Sheltering” Magazine recently featured a column entitled “Coffee Break” in which they asked animal care workers to answer the following question:

“What is your favourite part of the workday?” The answers were varied and heart-warming, but one in particular moved me.

There are those animals who have been with us for too long-the ones who have just a few extra quirks or who need just the right person to see their beauty. The staff and volunteers know that this dog is a calm and obedient sweetheart outside of the run, or that this cat with only one eye is the best lap cat in the world. We come to champion these animals and form a strong emotional connection with them. It just makes my day to hear over the PA system in the shelter, “Eddy has been adopted and will be going home in 15 minutes. Any staff and volunteers who would like to say goodbye should come to the adoption desk now." By A. McHargue of the Humane Society, Fairport, New York.

It prompted me to ask LAWS staff the question “what is your favourite part of the workday?” I would like to share their extraordinary answers with our readers.

Brittany: Each day at the shelter is different, but one of the best parts of the day for me is right in the morning. When we first arrive, I love going in and seeing all their faces so excited and playful. They are happy for your attention, even if it is just for a moment. That really touches my heart and it makes the day ahead that much better.

Sue: I love receiving kisses from the dogs. Just the other day, I was giving Buttercup a tummy rub because she wasn’t feel well. She showed me her appreciating by giving me kisses all over my face. These acts of love always cheer me up.

Stacie (Shelter Manager): Like all shelters, some of our animals struggle with various illnesses. It feels like a never-ending battle to try to get the viruses, diseases and illnesses isolated and under control. Some animals entering our shelter must receive antibiotics, ointments, pain killers, or subcutaneous fluids to aid in the recovery from these various illnesses. Some of the animals bounce back to health extremely quickly while others, with compromised immune systems, will experience a much prolonged and intense recovery process. My favourite part of the day at the shelter is when one of these exceptionally unwell animals, whose nursing care and treatment has been critical and time-consuming, finally find the strength to lift their heads and look at you as if to say “thanks for being there for me”. It makes our endless efforts worthwhile.

Alison: There are many parts of the day that I love, but my favourite is probably when a lost animal is reunited with its owner. The joy shared by both, when they spot each other, is a very special thing to see.

Sharon: My favourite part of the day is the adoption process. I love helping adopters find just the right animal for them. Seeing an animal, especially one that has been here for a long time, go to its new loving home makes my day.

Janet: My favourite part of the workday is first thing when I arrive at the shelter. I'm anxious to see who has been adopted since I was last in. It's bittersweet when I find out that one of my favourite cats or dogs has been adopted. I'm happy they found a home but I'm also going to miss them. I actually enjoy my whole day at the shelter. I love taking care of all of the animals and hopefully making a difference.

Larry Wilkinson, Animal Cruelty Inspector: Although my answer does change from day to day, one thing remains a constant favourite part of my day is that I'm glad I still have HOPE. Without hope there would not be too many favourite parts of the work day.
Each day when I arrive at the shelter;
I HOPE that the number of adoptions from yesterday are greater than the number of animals brought in yesterday.

I HOPE that our lost animals have been reunited with their owners

I HOPE that one of our animals has found a responsible owner who will provide life long care for it.

I HOPE that the staff will continue to be successful in finding the right home for some our special need animals.

I HOPE that I will not have to take one of our animals to the Vet for the last time.

I HOPE we will continue to receive the funds to continue our life saving work.

I HOPE for better Federal and Provincial Legislation so I can be more effective and that animals can be seen as more that simple property.