Tails from a Volunteer

I became a volunteer at Bideawee in 2010. I started going to the Adoption Center at Bideawee in Westhampton during a difficult time in my life, when I unfortunately became unemployed. Although this time was challenging, it also proved to be fortunate, as I decided I needed to give back in some way. This decision led me to begin what I would later call a truly rewarding journey.

I have always been an animal lover. With six animals of my own, I have experience caring for animals and understand the joy they bring to people’s lives. Volunteering at Bideawee allows me to interact with animals that may otherwise be lonely or sad; it lets me help them in my own way, through walks, playing and showing them love. I really enjoy seeing them romp around in the Dog Park at Bideawee!

In addition to the work I do with the animals at the Bideawee campus on Old Country Road, I attend many of the events. I think it is so important and really like getting the pups out of the kennel for the day. I call it giving them a “day pass” to the outside world.  It is wonderful to see them interact with the public. I remember one pup, Waffles, who actually got adopted at the Hofstra basketball game Bideawee attended. Before she found her forever home, I enjoyed taking her out.  She was a beautiful dog, so sweet and so cute. I took her into Westhampton town and she was having a wonderful time being held and pet by the holiday shoppers—now I am sure she is having an even better time getting love and attention in her new home.

As with many things you give your heart to, volunteering has not been a one way street. The dogs I get to help at Bideawee have also helped me in many ways both spiritually and practically.  I attended an event at H&R Block with Bideawee that resulted in being offered a part time job at the world’s largest tax service provider. The timing could not have been better as my husband recently became ill. I felt so lucky to be in the right place at the right time. By virtue of volunteering at Bideawee and helping animals I was fortunate enough to have that connection help me in return.    

All of these experiences have shown me that there really are blessings in the work the volunteers do, for the dogs as well as the people. And most of all, seeing them get adopted makes everything worthwhile.  If you have time on your hands and love in your heart, I urge you to become a volunteer at Bideawee by calling 866-262-8133. You will get to be part of a wonderful organization doing wonderful things for pets that otherwise might not have a chance.