Hi Guys
This isn't really a question, just want some reassurance really. On Saturday i started my first day as volunteer dog walker at our local rescue centre, i have been really looking forward to taking the doggies out, however i was really shocked at how upset i got when i had to leave. I spent all day there and was shattered after walking 11 dogs (all large breeds) and so when home time came i felt relieved to be going home to my own doggies, however on my way out i stopped to have a play with a large gsd who i had walked earlier and was surprised when he put his head on my lap and gave me one of those looks that melt your heart, i sat in his kennel for about 15 minutes giving him lots of affection and when i got up to leave he cried :-( i was so upset that i cried all the way home!. My husband was really surprised when i got home in tears and i think i felt worse when i saw my 2 were covered in mud after spending hours in the woods that day, it made me realise how lucky they are but couldn't stop thinking about the ones i had left behind at the rescue. Can any of you reassure me that this will get better or am i just too soft to be doing this? x

Hi, you are one of the best people in the world to be working at a rescue.  Who wants hard faced people, the dogs certainly don't! Which is why this particular dog warmed to you, a lot of the dogs in rescue crave for someone to care about them. For you to just spend a little time with each is wonderful for them. Try to think of it that without people like you these dogs would have no happiness at all, be glad for what you are giving them.  And for the wonderful job you are doing.  So you might cry every now and then, that doesn't matter, I know plenty of people who work for rescue who end up taking dogs on and end up with a houseful! (So you are not alone in feeling terrible for some of these dogs.)  You are giving these dogs a little love to prepare them for new homes.

What a wonderful job to have to be able to walk into work and have your charges happy to see you, wagging their tails and eager to spend time with you, you won't find that in an office job! Keep caring and giving these dogs happiness. You are a very special person. x

Hi Mich,

Don't know about you needing to toughen up - but I think I do, was nearly in tears myself reading about the lovely GSD. I'm hopeless with rescue centres, I just have to stay away otherwise I ball my eyes out for days on end!!! :)

You sound like a lovely person to be able to spare some time to put a little happiness into these dogs lives, and like Lyssa said, who wants hard faced people anyway, what these dogs need is love and fuss.

Keep up the good work - I'm sure you'll find you cry a bit less with time - but don't get hard hearted whatever you do ;)

Claire

Thank you Claire, glad i'm not the only softie x

Wow thanks Lyssa, what a lovely reply. I can completely relate to what you said about some people ending up with a houseful, i could have taken each and every one of them home - especially the shepherd with the smiley eyes. I think it becomes a bit addictive though, sadly i do have to work in the office a couple of mornings a week, you know how it is..mortgage, kids, dogs, cat etc etc so i do the doggie walking in my spare time, will try to go everyday though. I must admit though that as i was walking Max (shepherd) i was mentally weighing up wether or not there was room for another pooch in our house/life!!

The other positive thing i have found about it is that you get to love all breeds, i spent an hour with the most amazing rotti who looked like butter wouldn't melt ;-) whereas normally i would have just stuck with my favourites (gsd's).

Thankyou again for your lovely reply, you made my morning

Hi Mich
I think you're a very special person to give your time so generously - you are making a REAL difference to the lives of those dogs, so try not to let your emotions get in the way too much.  Your tears are just proof that you really care - there's nothing at all wrong with that :)
Keep up the good work - people like you are needed so much !

I agree with what the others have said- you are a very special person to be giving your time to these dogs, and you are definitely making a difference to their lives. There is nothing wrong with being soft, it just shows you care. I was also nearly in tears just reading your post and thinking about the GSD!

Hiya,

There's nothing wrong with you at all! 

I remember the first time I went to walk at the local RSPCA centre, I spent half the time walking the dogs and the other half sitting in with an poor EBT whose feet were so sore from alergies that she wouldn't eat and couldn't really walk - because of this she was getting really stressed out. I ended up sitting on the floor, with her head in my lap hand feeding her for about an hour.  The best bit is when a dog you've got really close to finds a cracking home, its worth all the heartache (thank goodness!).

Keep your chin up - you do a great job!

All the best,
Ali :)

you're a better person than i am mich!

when i was 14/15 i did a summer stint of helping at the local RSPCA at the weekend. I mostly walked the dogs, and cleaned the kennels / cattery etc. I couldn't do it now-i got way too attached then, and i'm ridiculously soppy now. I spent all my spare time with a whippet collie cross called Beth, and begged my mum and dad to get her....By the time i'd convinced them, she'd been rehomed. She was gorgeous and so sweet natured.

i don't think you're too soft to be doing what you're doing. God knows the poor blighters need a friendly face, and someone who can devote a bit of love and attention. I found it hard and infuriating but so rewarding.