Volunteer Spotlight: Erica
Erica with adopted dog Kane
We love spotlighting our volunteers, so we caught up with Erica, a dog-walking volunteer, to talk about how she spends time at the shelter.
At the beginning of the year, Erica set a goal to volunteer. She was feeling disconnected, and so she thought long and hard about what to do. She focused on her strengths: she is strong, she loves walking, and she likes being outside. Erica wanted to feel good about her time and connect with the community.
The first thing she found ended up being the perfect fit: walking dogs at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County.
Once she enters a dog kennel, time stands still. Her focus is the present. Erica never knew time could stand so still and be so peaceful at the same time. There can be dogs barking and people talking, but the quietness in the kennel washes everything away. The mornings with the pups teach Erica to let it all go, even if just for a few moments.
Q. What’s most rewarding about volunteering?
Spending time with dogs that are so happy to get go for a walk or play catch in the play yard. Watching the dogs get to know you with their big smiles and wagging tails is so rewarding and reminds me I am making a difference. Also, the other volunteers. I feel so fortunate to show up at 7 a.m. on the weekends to a group of friendly faces. Everyone is there because we want to be there. We are so supportive of each other; it makes me feel really good about being a part of the community.
Q. What made you decide to volunteer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
I wanted to start volunteering in Tacoma as a way to connect with my community. I contacted a few places, including the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. The idea of being outside and walking was what made my decision easy. I wasn’t very confident in the beginning, but the staff and other volunteers were always there to help out. It was the community I was looking for and falling in love with some of the dogs was something I didn’t expect.
Q. What advice can you offer those who are considering volunteering at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
Have fun because it is fun. Each of us are making a huge difference in the lives of the animals and in turn they are getting the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the families that adopt them. For me, I love being with the dogs and walking them is my favorite part of my weekend. I never imagined something could make me excited to be out of my house before 7 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
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We want to thank Erica for chatting with us, and sharing her time and energy with dogs in in the shelter!
Interested in becoming a volunteer or foster? Check out our opportunities.
