Students volunteer helping hands, care for homeless animals

April Klaassen - Features Beat

While millions of homeless animals are euthanized every year in America, numerous animals in Watauga County are saved, thanks to Appalachian State University students.

The Watauga Humane Society, which began in 1969, has in recent years received floods of student volunteers. Averaging at least 15 to 30 volunteers a day, Appalachian students walk dogs, pet cats, clean cages and do various other volunteer work, said President of the Watauga Human Society Dee Dundon.

Because of the large number of Appalachian students who volunteer, many animals’ lives are spared.

“Even though college students usually aren’t able to have pets themselves, they are responsible for many adoptions because they leash train the dogs and socialize the cats,” said Dundon.

Students may sometimes be oblivious to how much they are helping the animals.

“The students think that they’re the ones that are having fun, but the dogs are benefiting,” said shelter manager Lynn Northup. “They’re more adoptable, more friendly and they’re happier.”

Some students have noticed the difference the constant human contact has made for the animals that reside at the Humane Society.

“I think that it adds to the quality of life to the animals there a lot,” said sophomore Cristin Crisp, president of the Watauga Animal Guardian Society (WAGS). “I found that in other shelters, whose volunteer numbers are smaller, the animals have less human contact.
Their spirits go down hill very quickly, whereas at the Watauga Humane Society with all the constant human contact, the animals are very happy and well-adjusted.”

The possibilities for student volunteer work are unlimited. While most walk dogs and pet cats, some university clubs and organizations provide unique help.

“There are a lot of fraternities ... a lot of clubs come and do special projects, like they painted the outside of our kennel. One group built us a shed outside,” said Northup.

Another example of unique volunteer work is Gamma Beta Phi’s retirement home/humane society service project.

“We come and get a dog, a different one each time, and take it to Highland Hills, a retirement home,” said sophomore Melissa Martin.
“We take the dog in and out of the rooms and let people visit with the dogs, and we visit with them. They all enjoy it. They all had dogs and like to tell us stories. When we bring the dog back, we always stay an extra half hour and play with the cats.”

Besides making animals more adoptable, Appalachian students help prevent animal euthanasia by preventing unwanted animal pregnancies.
WAGS, a student organization on campus, recently raised over $1,000 for the Humane Society’s spay and neuter program, said Dundon.

The program allows those who cannot afford to have their pets spayed and neutered to have the procedure done at a low cost.

“When people call and say they have a pregnant animal, we can say we have a program that helps, thanks to ASU students,” said Dundon.
“It helps keep animals from being euthanized.”

“There isn’t enough people for the animals,” said Dundon. “We’re lucky because we have a waiting list. Animal control doesn’t have that privilege. They have to take every single animal, and they have to find room, and they have to euthanize pure and simple. One answer to this is the spay and neuter program. With this program, we can help people afford it.”

The Humane Society is always in need of volunteers to work at the thrift store also, which raises money for the non-profit organization, said Dundon.

Students who volunteer at the humane society give various reasons for their desire to help. Some strongly feel it is human responsibility.

“These animals are a product of a throw-away society,” said Crisp.
“They are totally innocent and have never done anything wrong, yet for whatever reasons, they’re unwanted. Animals have no way to take care of themselves, protect themselves or defend themselves. I feel like it’s a moral responsibility to show them some love while they’re on earth and make their lives better.”

Other students help for fun and enjoyment.

“I love animals, and since we can’t have them in dorms, it’s nice to come play with them here,” said sophomore Mary Ellen Boylan.

While students help save animals’ lives, they also benefit personally.

“It relaxes me and makes me feel a little better about myself, maybe I’m contributing a little bit to the world,” said sophomore Morgan Blaisdell-Buck.

Some students find relaxation rather than fulfillment.

“It’s not really volunteer work. I just come out here because it’s relaxing and it’s something to do and the cats need it,” said senior Matt Glassman. “I think the cats are funny sometimes. They make me laugh and feel happy.”

Others discovered a more personal fulfillment in working with the homeless animals.

“Last year, when I came here as a freshman, I felt very disconnected from this community,” said Crisp. “I felt out of place. When I started volunteering at the Humane Society, I felt I had a better sense of purpose. It was like the Humane Society adopted me. I really feel that if I didn’t volunteer so much, I wouldn’t have been able to stay up here in Boone. I would’ve been by myself all the time with nothing to do in my free time.”

Dundon believes volunteering can help Appalachian students adjust, as well as prevent trouble and lack of responsibility for uncared-for pets.

“A big problem with ASU students adopting animals was they can’t have them,” said Dundon. “I would do presentations for freshmen seminar classes to show them how important it is to play grandmother or grandfather to the animals. That way, they don’t have trouble with landlords or time because they’re working. Freshmen are lonely, and it’s important to socialize and walk [the animals].”

Whether they volunteer often or occasionally, all student volunteers are appreciated.

“We would like the students recognized for the good things they do. I worked in Belk Library for 25 years and think many times they do not get the credit they deserve,” said Dundon. “I want the college and the people there to know how valuable [Appalachian students] are.

“We would like to let [the students] know how much we appreciate it and make it a public fact that you guys are good guys.”

The Humane Society staff not only appreciates students but also encourages more to volunteer, especially if they do not have pets.

“We appreciate all their help and support they give us,” said Northup.
“We do strongly recommend for those who aren’t allowed to have pets where they live to just come by and love on ours and leave all the responsibility of taking care of them with us. Come in and enjoy them and play with them.”

Those interested in volunteering may visit the shelter Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. For directions, call 264-7865.

Those interested in joining WAGS may attend the next meeting on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Mountain Laurel Room inside Plemmons Student Union.