Back at home, I took my resume into the only grooming salon I knew of and applied for the bather/brusher position. Whoever it was at the front desk (possibly the owner) read my resume, looked me in the eye…. and scoffed. I can't remember exactly what was said but it was condescending and just plain rude. I could feel my face grow hot and my pulse race as I watched her raise her eyebrows and smirk at my hopes and dreams. I left outraged. What is wrong with these people? Is everyone in the grooming world arrogant, rude, and completely self involved?! Luckily, my ever wise mother suggested the completely obvious solution of volunteering at our local SPCA. Of course! Why didn't I think of that? Probably because I was too busy being pissed off at all the injustice keeping me from my goals that it didn't even cross my mind to volunteer my time to help others. Oh dear, maybe I fit into the dog grooming world better then I thought.
The SPCA welcomed me with open arms and I started volunteering a few hours a week to brush and bathe some of the dogs. From the first day I could tell that this was going to be quite the experience. There were no tubs, no tables, and nowhere to tether a dog. I was directed to a kennel and given towels, soap, a hose, and a Husky. After a failed attempt to make friends with the Husky, I decided to just get it over with. Mr. Husky took to the water like oil, and the next hour was spent chasing him around the kennel, hose in hand while I pleaded desperately for him to just hold still so we could be done. By the end of it we were both exhausted, soaked, and relieved to be out of each others company.
+10 experience points.
Despite the fact that volunteering to do the bathing and brushing at the shelter was, at the very least, inefficient and tremendously uncomfortable, I did learn a lot. I learned that Huskies will scream bloody murder if you try to get them wet. I learned that a Yorkie can, and will, climb all the way up your chest and down your back to escape a bath. I learned that a lonely dog doesn't care if you have a brush in hand if you would only allow them to curl up in your lap. I learned that understanding, patience, and preparedness are essential when working with dogs. Mostly though, I gained a greater respect for the people who work at our rescue organizations. There is no doubt about it, they are super heroes. It is not by any means a glamorous job, but all the hours of training, caring, cleaning and dealing with crazy people who want to give up their dog because it didn't come potty trained, after all of it, at the end of the day they've helped a heart find it's home.
Several of the staff and volunteers are now my clients. I still volunteer my services to our SPCA and give monthly donations. I find myself surprisingly, but not regretfully, thankful to Scary Dane Lady for sending me away to meet those wonderful people and precious animals.
This is not the end, but it's a long story. This is just intermission. Check back for "How Did I Even Get Here?! Part 4". Here is Part 1, and Part 2.
The SPCA welcomed me with open arms and I started volunteering a few hours a week to brush and bathe some of the dogs. From the first day I could tell that this was going to be quite the experience. There were no tubs, no tables, and nowhere to tether a dog. I was directed to a kennel and given towels, soap, a hose, and a Husky. After a failed attempt to make friends with the Husky, I decided to just get it over with. Mr. Husky took to the water like oil, and the next hour was spent chasing him around the kennel, hose in hand while I pleaded desperately for him to just hold still so we could be done. By the end of it we were both exhausted, soaked, and relieved to be out of each others company.
+10 experience points.
Despite the fact that volunteering to do the bathing and brushing at the shelter was, at the very least, inefficient and tremendously uncomfortable, I did learn a lot. I learned that Huskies will scream bloody murder if you try to get them wet. I learned that a Yorkie can, and will, climb all the way up your chest and down your back to escape a bath. I learned that a lonely dog doesn't care if you have a brush in hand if you would only allow them to curl up in your lap. I learned that understanding, patience, and preparedness are essential when working with dogs. Mostly though, I gained a greater respect for the people who work at our rescue organizations. There is no doubt about it, they are super heroes. It is not by any means a glamorous job, but all the hours of training, caring, cleaning and dealing with crazy people who want to give up their dog because it didn't come potty trained, after all of it, at the end of the day they've helped a heart find it's home.
Several of the staff and volunteers are now my clients. I still volunteer my services to our SPCA and give monthly donations. I find myself surprisingly, but not regretfully, thankful to Scary Dane Lady for sending me away to meet those wonderful people and precious animals.
This is not the end, but it's a long story. This is just intermission. Check back for "How Did I Even Get Here?! Part 4". Here is Part 1, and Part 2.
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