The New Face of Bideawee Volunteers

volunteers come from all walks of life. They have many different jobs and hobbies, but their common love for animals brings them together at Bideawee. On any given weekend morning, they are busy walking the dogs, playing with the cats, and doing so much more to create the welcoming atmosphere that many have come to recognize at Bideawee.

Around 10 a.m., part of Bideawee’s newest group of volunteers heads through the front door. Teenagers are coming in and going straight to the Bideawee U to sign in and await their assignment. An adult volunteer greets each one, checking their names off the list for this week. They receive their responsibilities and safety reminders. With attentive eyes and ears, they are focused on getting directions for the morning, whether they are working the laundry area, washing the windows, vacuuming, or mopping. As one job ends another begins. They continue on, restacking the linen area, washing dog or cat dishes, filling the cat litter pans, and reorganizing the storage areas.

One might wonder why these teens are submitting themselves to this kind of work when many of their peers are sleeping in. Initially, many of them came to Bideawee to complete a community service portion of their yearly requirements for school or religious studies. Afterward, most continued to come back, excited to be a part of something where positive results are noticeable by the time they leave.

After the first hour, they are rewarded with a visit from a puppy or kitty. The teens enjoy watching the carefree attitude these animals display as they interact playfully. Hearing the circumstances under which some of the animals have come to the Adoption Center at Bideawee, animals that were destined for a very different future, inspires them to return again to check on their progress. These stories help the young volunteers understand the significance of their work. When this important group of teen volunteers takes care of the cleaning and laundry, the staff has more time to address the behavioral and social needs of our resident animals. The increased time each animal receives with the staff helps to give them the skills that are needed to become lifelong companions for their forever families.

Bideawee is truly proud of our young volunteers. As summer approaches, Bideawee is looking for a more of them to join us. The organization also needs more adult volunteers to mentor these teens who continuously show us the size of their hearts.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call (866) 262-8133, visit Bideawee.org or www.facebook.com/Bideawee.