#Middlebury #Pets
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We can’t have pets in our apartment, but I want to teach my children about responsibility and compassion for animals. Are there volunteer opportunities for kids out there? – Jessica in Seattle
DEAR JESSICA: There certainly are volunteer opportunities for kids in most communities. The hard part can be finding one that will work for your kids, fit in with school schedules and provide the kind of rewarding experience you want them to have.
PAWS.org, for example, has several volunteer opportunities in the Lynnwood, Washington, area. The shelter doesn’t allow kids under 18 to work directly with animals, but it hosts a special Day of Service for those 10 or older to help spruce up its dog trail and hosts a PAWSwalk each summer. Kids also can choose to “donate their day” – ask for donations to the organization in lieu of birthday presents, for example. That’s just one organization in one area. Kids and parents should search for local shelters and animal-rescue organizations to see what volunteer or fundraising opportunities are available.
Another, more immediate opportunity may be right in your neighborhood. Do you have friends or neighbors with pets? Are they willing to let your kids visit and play with their dog or cat? Is there an elderly relative or friend who needs help walking their dog or taking their cat to the veterinarian? Remember that, as the parent, you’ll need to supervise your kids for many of these events or pet-care opportunities. But you’ll be giving them key tools to be awesome pet owners of the future.
Send your comments, questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2022 King Features Synd. Inc.
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