The job I love the most!

Towards the end of last year I took on a role that has quickly become the best job I have ever had, volunteer dog walker for the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWL). For the small investment of 4-6 hours a week I get to spend time with an array of lovable characters whom through no fault of their own, have found themselves at the shelter awaiting their forever home. We have had lots of rain recently which made walking and playing fetch a little difficult, rather than leave the dogs in their pens we took them out for a cuddle and walk where it was reasonably dry.

Below are some of the dogs I have had the pleasure of spending time with over the last couple of weeks, some of them just want to play with toys but others love to lean on you for tummy rubs. It is sad that they’re still at the shelter but I am hoping that the right person will come along soon and that they’ll never be seen at the AWL again, until then I will make the most of the cuddles and kisses.

KJ, an affectionate and playful Staffy cross, KJ just loves her toys and doesn't mind playing in the mud.

Rocky the Cattle Dog cross — Rocky the happy Cattle Dog cross, an older dog who loves to keep an eye on everything and he doesn't mind getting brushed.

Prince, a charming Beagle cross, happy to be around people and gets along well with Mimi.

Beautiful Leonie, Labrador Staffy cross — Beautiful Leonie the Labrador Staffy cross, she loves to wrestle with a squeaky toy and definitely doesn't mind a belly rub.

Gorgeous Mary Jo, the Staffy cross with a very happy tail. Recently a Mum, she loves cuddles and lying on the cool ground, legs stretched out like a typical Staffy.

The placed and cuddly Daisy, Greyhound cross — The calm and cuddly Daisy, a Greyhound cross. So easy to walk and she is extremely affectionate.

The water loving Mimi, a cattle dog cross — The water loving Mimi, a Cattle Dog cross that is happy to play in the water as you clean her pen and she loves splashing about in the clam shells filled with water.

megtraveling February 6, 2012 / 9:03 pm

Their personalities shine through! What a great group 🙂

kareninhonolulu February 7, 2012 / 1:19 pm

I’m sitting here in tears. The thought of any of these beautiful animals being put down is giving me a headache. I could never do what you do because somehow animals seem to posses me like a spirit looking for a home.

Thank you for doing what you do and I love your photos. This was a wonderful post.

- twoblackdoggies February 7, 2012 / 1:30 pm
  
  Thankfully the AWL is working towards zero euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets of which all of these guys are so it is extremely unlikely (next to zero chance) that any of these lovelies would be put to sleep. The AWL rehoming rate is very good and they’re out there in the community promoting the adoption of shelter animals, desexing, microchipping etc.
  
  I would love to be able to adopt them all, but I can’t so I do my little bit to make sure that they have time out of their pens, some of the dogs spend months at the shelter before finding a home. They have a really good volunteer program and there are even volunteers that take the dogs to the beach for a swim and a walk.
  
  Thank you for your lovely comments, I hope my response has cheered you up.
  
- kareninhonolulu February 10, 2012 / 10:31 am
  
  Yes it did, thank you.