Dog Walking at LHS

So, a few weeks ago I finally found the time to start walking dogs at The Lowell Humane Society.

You guys- it has honestly been one of the best things I have ever decided to do. Ever.

I was a little nervous at first (I always get very anxious and sweaty, haha, the first time I try something new). But today marks about a month that I've been doing it, and it just keeps getting better. Case in point- Here is my FB status update from last week:

So while walking dogs at the Lowell Humane Society today, I hit my head on a metal block (it was part of a gate), cut my back twice on two different kennels, picked up numerous poops, and almost got my ear barked off by a very excited mastiff/pit mix. But, I got to walk 7 dogs and even if it was only for 15-20 minutes each, I know how wonderful it was for them to be out of their kennels and roll in the grass (or in Rocky's case, the rocks). So grateful that I have a little bit of free time to be with animals that need a little extra attention and love. Thanks again, Nick Dristiliaris. For everything. So happy.

It really just means so much to me. When I met with my college advisor and told her my eventual goal is to train service or therapy dogs, she recommended that I try volunteering and networking as much as possible, to try and gain experience. I've built a good relationship with the shelter manager (also named Crystal, yay!), and am trying to come up with new ideas to help promote the animals. I am going to manage the Instagram page for LHS (lowellhumanesociety is the user name, please follow! and please #lowellhumanesociety or @lowellhumanesociety if you have a picture you would like posted to help promote the animals!)

I also joined the Dog Task Force Team and their goal is to enrich the lives of the shelter animals while they are with us and do everything possible to help get them adopted. The first meeting for that was held last night and it was great to share ideas with like minded, amazing, animal loving people.

Here are some pictures of my favorite guys. I'm only going to post ones that have not yet been adopted (I never know who might happen across my blog and be looking for a wonderful pup- fingers crossed! :)

Einstein, a sweet, excited, shepherd mix.

Howie, a chihuahua who loves belly rubs

ROCKY IS MY FAVORITE! An American Staffordshire (Pitbull). Rocky has been at the shelter awhile now and has shown wonderful progress, but shelter living can be very stressful for a dog and we'd love to get him adopted as soon as possible. He can be a bit intimidating at first because he barks quite a bit in the kennel, but he LOVES to play with the water hose, and roll around in the grass, rocks, or even on the pavement. He is a big dopey guy who doesn't "walk", he "lumbers". I LOVE HIM SO MUCH YOU GUYS. :)

Brando, a sweet chihuahua mix

Rex, a laid back and sweet lhasa type pup

OMG IT'S ROCKY AGAIN

Apparently this guy's name was Lulu but they renamed him King Louie, because, well, he's awesome. :) A little fluff ball Pekignese that cracked me up. A little fur ball of love.

This is Keeno, a mastiff/pit mix. He is a gigantic (I'd guess about 100) pound lug of AWESOME. Keeno is having knee surgery (I'm guessing his body can't support all his awesome), and if you have even a few dollars to spare, it would be beyond appreciated.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/crystal-arnott-1/keeno



Loving life you guys. Loving life.

xoxo