Category: Information

Tips for Volunteering at Animal Shelters

Kristyn Weaver / / Blog Posts, Information, Lifestyle

Volunteering is a rewarding experience for both participants and institutions. Animal shelters in particular rely a lot on volunteers as usually they are low on labor and funds, meaning donated service is definitely appreciated. Animal shelter volunteers complete a variety of tasks such as walking and feeding dogs, cleaning up messes, and of course the hardest part: playing and cuddling with the pups. If this sounds appealing to you, make sure to check out these tips before you commit to a shelter/program.

 

1. Understand the time commitment

Shelters might have a strict and set schedule for volunteers, and if this is the case make sure you can fulfill their expectations. Depending upon where you volunteer, there might be a minimum of hours required for you to keep your volunteer title.

 

2. Make sure you’re not afraid to get dirty

Most shelters will have you do what nobody else really wants to do: cleaning up dog messes. While this might not be what you’re doing at all times, it is likely this will end up as part of your duties.

 

3. Make sure you’re passionate

If you’re not super into animals, working at an animal shelter maybe isn’t the job for you. Make sure you truly love what you are doing when you volunteer, as it will be all the more rewarding.

 

4. Show up with a can-do attitude

Always show up with a positive attitude when you come to volunteer and make sure you try to fulfill your duties to the best of your ability. The staff member on duty will surely appreciate and notice the extra effort.

 

If after reading these you are still sure volunteering at an animal shelter is for you, by all means go ahead and get out there! Volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences that a person can do in the world, and working with animals is such a great cause that more often than not gets overlooked. While it might be a lot of work, helping dogs potentially find their forever homes is certainly worth it.

Shedding Spotlight on Hunting Dogs

Kristyn Weaver / / Blog Posts, Information

 

Dogs, specifically hunting dogs, have remained at the epicenter of hunting culture. Living up to their name as ‘man’s best friend’, dogs have helped retrieve, track, and hunt all sorts of prey for their human counterparts. A good sense of smell, long stamina, and high energy are qualities most hunting dogs need to have, as well as a great training program when they are young. If you yourself are a hunter, you have definitely seen a dog in action before and know how seriously most hunting dogs take their job. So if you are a hunter looking for a furry companion to help you on trips, get to know some basics about the various breeds and what each kind of hunting these dog specialize in before you make a decision.

 

Not recognized as their own breed group through the American Kennel Association, hunting dogs are grouped in with the Sporting Group. There are six major categories or groupings of hunting dogs: hounds, terriers, dachshunds, feists, cur dogs, and gun dogs.

 

  1. HOUNDS: used to pursue running game, hunt mostly raccoons, rabbits, and other mammals
  • Sighthounds: As their name suggests, sighthounds are adapted and used for their visual accuracy as well as their high though quick bursts of speed. Popular breeds include: Italian greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Afghan hound, etc.
  • Scenthounds: Scent Hounds are defined by their strong ability to smell and their booming voice. Their high endurance and strong nose allows them to follow a trail for a long time. Most are used in packs with groups of multiple dogs. Popular breeds include: Bloodhounds, Beagles, etc.
  1. TERRIERS: Spirited, typically used to hunt vermin through locating dens. Popular breeds include: Bull Terrier, Schnauzer, Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Russell Terrier, etc.
  2. DACHSHUNDS: Bred follow and flush out small burrowing den animals. The only certifiable breed to hunt below and above ground.
  3. FEISTS: Chase prey, ocassionally ‘tree them’ in which they force their target up a tree until their hunter comes. Hunts rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals.
  4. CUR DOGS: Similiar to terrier though usually hunt larger game.
  5. GUN DOGS: used to locate game within shooting distance of the hunter then retrieve the fallen game. Hunts usually birds
  • Retrievers: Their primary role is to find and retrieve game shot by their hunter and have large very gentle muzzles so as not to damage their finds. Popular breeds include: Golden Retrievers, Labs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
  • Pointers: As their name describes, these dogs will track a scent and hold their signature ‘point’ pose until their hunter comes along to check on them. Popular breeds include: English Setter, Irish Setter, Pointer

 

To hear my perspective on hunting dogs check out my feature on a podcast below!

 

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