This is the story of Nathalie that is one of Bianca’s longest volunteer:
My volunteering experience with Bianca started in 2009. I have been coming back ever since, typically making four visits a year, with each visit lasting around ten days.
Over the years I have seen considerable change at Bianca. When I first started, conditions were challenging and many dogs were kept on chains. Over the years, the chains have been replaced with kennels and the environment has become safer and friendlier, for both the animals and the volunteers. I have also seen a tremendous growth in the number of dogs and cats being kept in the shelter, with this happening year after year. Such growth can place a heavy strain on resources, both financially and on the workers.
My work at the shelter typically starts off by taking a number of dogs for walks ahead of the mid-day sun before assisting the staff in cleaning kennels and helping dogs to socialise. The emotional connection I share with the animals is really important for me, bringing a sense of joy and purpose. Their affection and trust are truly heartwarming and the friendships I’ve formed with them are one of my most cherished aspects of my time at the shelter. The other is when I hear that these dogs get to have a happy ending and are taken on as a pet into a loving home.
Despite lots of progress, the shelter continues to face challenges, particularly with the increasing number of animals, both cats and dogs. It remains understaffed so that after all the cleaning, feeding, medication rounds and other regular tasks are completed, there is no time for the staff to walk dogs, assist in socialisation and other softer skills that are so important in enabling a successful adoption. For this, the centre relies on the efforts of volunteers. Volunteers like myself play a significant role in ensuring that the animals receive the extra care and attention they deserve and go on to gain their own forever home.
Volunteering at the animal shelter has been a meaningful part of my life for over 15 years. I have seen the shelter evolve and experienced the healing power of animals first hand. I look forward to continuing my support in the years to come and encourage others to consider volunteering—the impact is profound, not just for the animals, but for the volunteers themselves.
