WEEK 12:
It’s been three months, and I am starting to run out of things to write about – I bet you’ve noticed.
This weekend, I decided to do something different rather than just walk or go work out. The weather was gorgeous, and staying inside was a no-go. So, I googled some out-of-the-ordinary things to do outside, and while making an art-installation out of natural objects sounded cool, it didn’t really scream “exercise.”
Something did catch my eye, and instead of just burning calories from lunch, a friend and I made a difference in the life of a couple animals that needed some love.
I decided to volunteer a little of my time to the Humane Society of the High Plains here in Hays.
They accept volunteers who are at least 16 years old, as long as they fill out a form – which was pretty painless.
My first little companion was a little Lab mix named “Maddie.” I chose to walk this eight-week-old pup because Maddie is also my sister’s name. I think I bonded with that little gal. We ran circles in the back yard.
Actually, she tripped over her leash a few times while I just laughed. She was a rambunctious little tyke, and she gave me a workout in the warm weather.
Puppies are a load of fun and can also do wonders when it comes to working out. I didn’t even know how much work it was because of the all the fun I was having with that black fur ball.
After I tuckered her out, I took her back to her kennel – which was pretty hard to do, as she kept looking at me with her big eyes as if to say, “Really? It’s time to go already?”
Actually, I didn’t leave, but there was this other dog in the corner that had my eye. His name was Blinky, and he was a Pekinese. Those dogs are weird-looking, but in a fuzzy, pug sort of way, so it makes them really adorable.
Blinky and I raced out the door, and I could tell that dog really wanted to run. He was about eight inches tall, but he didn’t seem to mind that he was pulling practically 210 pounds of human behind him.
It was so funny to hear him snort as he ran. I actually got a little concerned that he wouldn’t be able to breathe very well if we kept making laps without taking a breather.
Finally, I forced the him to slow down.
After all, I was just making sure Blinky had a fun afternoon; I didn’t want to scar the poor creature for life.
By the end of the session, I really found my heart going out to these animals. As amazing as the Humane Society of the High Plains is, the dogs and cats really do need good homes that will provide love and care for them.
I learned that adoption fees are actually really reasonable. Forty dollars will buy you a canine companion, and for $30, you can have your own furry feline friend. How great is that?
Right now, I can’t have a pet because I live on campus, but once I move out, I may actually consider getting one. That is, if my roommate agrees to it.
For now, all I can do is donate half an hour to an hour of my weekend and play with some needy animals.
If you want to volunteer, contact the Humane Society of the High Plains at 785-625-5252.
Eat to live, not live to eat.
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