I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do.   -Helen Keller, U. S. author and educator

At times in our lives, we need to feed our hearts. If you want service opportunities with companion animals, the benefits can be extensive, and sometimes unexpected.

Etta Allen and Guide Dogs for the Blind

“Because the dogs provide a tremendous service to the blind, Guide Dogs has a very high priority with me,” says Etta Allen, now a member of Guide Dogs’ Board of Directors. Her first contact with Guide Dogs was through a Guide Dogs breeder male named Nissan who lived with the Allens from age two to 13. When Nissan died, Etta wanted to do something else, so she gave a retired Guide Dog a home. 

Guides come back at age 10 if the person receiving a new service dog cannot keep the retired service dog. “Here the guide dog has given all this service, and now they need service,” says Allen. Deanne is her third retired service dog. 

“You hear the stories about how people depend on their dog to move safely through activities sighted people take for granted. Their stories,” Etta says, “are what make you come back and bind you to the organization.”

For more information, visit www.guidedogs.com or call Jennifer Bernstein-Lewis, volunteer coordinator at 800-295-4050.

Mark Penn and the Humane Society of Sonoma County (HSSC)

By day, Mark is a realtor in Santa Rosa, California. At HSSC, Mark edits, produces and distributes the newsletter, and spends 20 hours a month helping with everything from event registration to training volunteers to work in the store.

“Do what you do best,” Mark says. “There are a lot of people who can go a great job walking dogs. Others can cuddle cats. Those are valuable functions.”

Once Mark started volunteering, he saw the need and now supports Humane Society giving 10 percent of his commission for each home he sells. “For a realtor, this is a no-brainer. When I close an escrow, I write one check for taxes and another to HSSC.”

“What each person gets from volunteering is different,” Mark says. “Volunteering will not be what you’re expecting; it’ll be more. Whether you meet great people, come across a new opportunity, cool things happen.”

To learn more see www.sonomahumane.org or call Susan Holzer at (707) 542-0882, ext. 218

How you can find volunteer opportunities near you

Many animal-related organizations need volunteers. To find opportunities in your area, consult the directory below and start calling. Believe me, organizations need and want your help.

Directory of Selected Pet Volunteer Opportunities

Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President, said, “As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Use both your hands and help a pet and your heart today.

Share your stories

If you have a story about volunteering with pets, I’d love to hear from you. Send a message to stories@petside.com

Author Carol Frischmann has learned firsthand what it means to contribute through volunteerism. To learn more about pets, nature, and science, including volunteerism, subscribe to her free newsletter at www.thiswildlife.com. Her Doberman pinscher will send you a personalized thank you note.

Like this article?  Get more volunteering tips in the Treats & Tips section!