First Assist

My first volunteer experience began when I saw a post on facebook from a group called "Dobies and Little Paws Rescue" about a Doberman puppy who needed to be picked up at a boarding facility and taken to a Starbuck's in Merced, CA.  On Tuesday, June 11th I set out for Best Friend's Pet Resort in Patterson, California. About an hour or so into the drive when I found myself kind of in the middle of nowhere, the thought crossed my mind that I had never met this person, Colleen, that I was supposed to take this dog to and perhaps she was some weirdo and I was being lured in to a dangerous situation.  I prepared myself as I kept driving as to how I would react if threatened....how I could just keep driving if something did not feel right, and I offered a little prayer.  When I arrived at the boarding facility, it was obvious any fear I had could be reserved for another day.  This was indeed a boarding facility, albeit, in the middle of nowhere.  I waited for a while and then out the door came this sweet, skinny little guy named Dillon.  I put a cute red collar on him that I had actually purchased for Bruno, but had never used.  He was frightened to jump into the truck so I lifted him in.  As I drove away, I spoke to him about what a good boy he was and how he was going to a nice place where they would find him a good home.  He was so very sweet and even nuzzled the side of my head when I stopped at a stop sign.  He was a bit smelly from the Demodex Mange, but I didn't mind.  He was a perfect passenger and though this might sound silly to some,  I could feel his sweet spirit and I was happy to be helping him.  I met Colleen in the parking lot of Starbuck's in Merced, visited with her for a moment, petted Dillon goodbye and then they were gone.

Sweet Dillon with his new red collar

My first "volunteer" dog

In the grand scheme of things, it was a very small offering on my part, but I drove home with a feeling of happiness and gratitude in my heart that I could help this sweet little creature.  I look forward to seeing the facebook post that says he has been adopted.