The MSMS Wags and Whiskers club sent out an email recently announcing volunteer opportunities with the Columbus Lowndes Humane.

     Club President Vivian Van, who has been the mastermind behind coordinating these visits, said, “It was difficult; you have to get sponsors to go because not everyone is over 18, so you have to find a time when they can go and the students can go.”

     Despite the difficulty, the club had finalized dates with the Humane Society. On a first-come, first-serve basis, 10 lucky students would get to volunteer during the two days. Emails were sent, schedules were made and just three days later Van sent out a final list of the participants. When the day came, five club members, along with the club sponsor Ms. Angie Jones, boarded a bus and set off to the shelter.

     Greeting us at the door was a lovable bombay cat, and just inside, an elderly house dog rushed to our feet for a belly rub. After signing in and admiring the kittens through the glass barriers of their keeping room, the coordinator escorted us to a large building with a sign on the door that read “adoptable dogs.”

    Over the barking, she explained to us what we would be doing (walking the dogs), how it should be done, and where to go if we should have any questions or concerns, along with a few tips on how to handle some of the more “excitable” dogs. Each of us grabbed a clip and a leash, and then set down the rows to choose our companions for the next 10-15 minutes.

     For my first dog, I picked a chocolate lab named Sabrina, whose disposition revealed her to be no older than a year. She yanked and ran and jumped, scratching a lot of us volunteers in her excitement, but looking adorable while doing so. After a few minutes of perusing the yard she calmed down, and it was time for a second pick. Wanting a little more calamity, I sought out an elderly, lethargic (albeit slightly overweight) dog by the name of Sweet Pea. She was true to her name, and wanted nothing more than a quick walk around and a belly rub before she was content with her kennel once again, so on to the third dog I went.

     For my final pick, I went all the way to the last kennel for a dog I had had my eye on. He was intimidating: he stood my height on his hind legs with his forepaws against the metal gate, but nevertheless, his tail was wagging with the same ferocity of the more approachable dogs. As soon as I managed to wiggle the gate open just enough to get a leash on him, he pushed it open and flooded me with kisses. I walked Jerry around the yard, running a bit to let him tucker out, and then I sat with him on the gravel drive scratching his head until we had to leave.

     Though we only got to stay for a short time, the five of us were able to walk all of the adoptable dogs, and most of us fell in love with every one we put a leash on.

     Club member Haylee Haik said “being able to spend time with the dogs” was her favorite aspect of the day. Overall, the visit was successful, and I cannot wait to participate in months to come (if only just to see Jerry again).

    The Wags and Whiskers Club will be volunteering once a month, and is trying to arrange more opportunities. To volunteer, contact Van or club sponsors Ms. Jones or Dr. Kayla Hester.

     If you are 18 or older, you are allowed to volunteer without the club, provided that you arrange with the coordinator and have your own transportation. All of the dogs are adoptable, so if you or your family is considering getting a new companion, volunteering would be a good way to find a furry friend that’s right for you!