Home > Out of the Cage! > November 2004 > Testimonial: From Down and Out to Mighty: My Volunteer Experience with Mighty Mutts

Volunteer Testimonial

From Down and Out to Mighty: My Volunteer Experience with Mighty Mutts

by Tracey R. Mallar

I arrived at the southwest corner of Union Square at exactly 12:00 noon for my first day ever as a volunteer for Mighty Mutts. The sky was brilliantly bright with not a cloud in sight, but the air had a nip of chill from the impending fall. I was a little chilly in my T-shirt, but warmed by the thought of my soon-to-be encounter with the furry creatures of Mighty Mutts.

Mighty Mutts is a no-kill, all-volunteer animal rescue group that rescues stray dogs and cats from the streets and provides them with food, shelter, and any necessary medical treatment. When brought back to health, these animals are made available for adoption. Because the organization does not have a shelter, adoptions are held on Saturdays at Union Square.

Kit, the volunteer supervisor that day, gave me my introductory tutorial by introducing me to three of the day's featured dogs — a Shepherd mix mother and her son, and a very energetic Boxer puppy. Kit explained the rules for handling the dogs around people, as well as their individual backgrounds — as much background as Mighty Mutts knows, that is, because most of their dogs were rescued and were once abused or abandoned strays. For about 20 minutes, until some other volunteers arrived, my job was to sit on a small seat with one of the dogs on a leash, pay strict attention to the dogs, smile to passersby, and manage those people who approached the dogs to pet them.

After about 20 minutes I was put on T-shirt sales duty, which involved holding up a very cute pink T-shirt with the Mighty Mutts logo on the front and calling out to people passing by to buy the shirts. This was an extremely important role, as on any given Saturday, Mighty Mutts makes the majority of its profits from T-shirt sales, which are essentially direct donations. As the minutes went by, my confidence grew and my voice became clearer as I convinced several people passing by or stopping to pet the dogs to make their valuable purchase.

Although Mighty Mutts is in Union Square from 12:00 noon until sundown, my experience had to come to a close after two hours. I looked at the six previously broken and damaged but now beautiful and loving creatures and walked away with a feeling of success and hope for them, feeling that my small time commitment had somehow made a difference in their lives. Like an addiction, I can't wait to volunteer again. I got my canine fix and raised money for food, medicine, and care for these animals and countless others like them. Slightly chilled when I began my experience earlier, my heart had now been warmed.

I encourage anyone looking to adopt a dog or cat to visit Mighty Mutts in Union Square, or visit Ollie's Place (for cats) at 203 East 26th Street, just off Third Avenue. Even if you can't adopt, it is undoubtedly worthwhile to consider volunteering your time and energy to such a great cause.

If you're interested in volunteering, fostering, or donating money, supplies, or anything else you think we would find helpful, please stop by Mighty Mutts in Union Square on Saturdays. Or you can call or e-mail marcie55@earthlink.net. For a preview of the dogs and cats you can visit Mighty Mutts' page on Petfinder.