Summer is Coming

SUMMER IS COMING

(…and what that means to us)

By Pete Betlem

It's the same story every year - by April many of our volunteers are aiming themselves North to beat the heat and return to family business back home. Who could blame them?

The unfortunate part is that much of the success that we enjoy at Amigos de los Animales is dependent upon the many hours of devoted time that these valuable volunteers provide for us.

The good news is that there are a LOT of Nationals and Ex-Pats living here year-round that could fill in the summer void. Many simply don't know that this opportunity exists.

Just 3 hours a week (how minimal is that?) from 10 different individuals would make all the difference in the world to our Shelter.

Here is what we need:

1. Dog Walkers - the simple way to exercise our dogs and yourself. Start around 9:00 am and end around Noon. Our dogs are in their enclosures almost 24/7 so just think what it would mean to them for you to take one day a week to get them outside for fresh air and exercise. A minimum of two volunteers a day makes this job a lot easier.

2. The Bazaar - Even in the summer time we have a steady stream of local shoppers in our second hand bazaar, located upstairs at the shelter. They depend on us to be open and we depend on their purchases to help fund the Shelter. How can you help? One day a week from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm you assist our shoppers with their purchases. We train you (its not rocket science). Speaking fluent Spanish is NOT a requirement so don't let that hold you back. In case you are wondering, the Bazaar is air-conditioned in the summer.

3. General Maintenance - If you have handyman skills there is always something to do. Of course this is not a daily requirement but there is always a need for someone with plumbing, electrical, welding, cement work, etc. skills that we could call on from time to time for assistance.

4. Donations of good quality dog and cat food - Sam's Club's Sportsman Brand and Member's Mark are the best for us - paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach and other cleaning supplies are always welcome. Could you sponsor a bag of dog or cat food a week? A month?

How about it? Can you spare three hours a week to help us keep the shelter open and responsive to the needs of the public?  I bet you can...