The Lampasas Animal Shelter’s nonprofit partner SAFE (Supporting Animals, Facilities and Employees at Lampasas Animal Shelter) is accepting volunteers. They hosted an informational event Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
“Come in, learn about SAFE, ask questions and sign up to volunteer,” SAFE President Ashley Raley said. “Support SAFE, whether it’s volunteering, donating, helping us from home and just spreading the word even.”
SAFE is an organization that works to support animals, the facilities that house animals and the employees who work at these facilities.
“I think the SAFE event is a great way to raise awareness and encourage people to get involved,” junior Abigail Justice said. “The reason why my mom started SAFE in the first place was to support the animal shelter and its workers through fundraising and community outreach. Events like this help animals get adopted faster and remind the community how important shelters are.”
Any high school student who is 14 or over can go to the Lampasas Animal Shelter to sign up to help with different tasks, from organizing events to running the SAFE social media.
“We’re looking for people who want to volunteer with transporting animals, people who want to man tables and booths and who want to just do informational adoption events,” Raley said. I’m looking for people who want to take on responsibility and just be my helper.”
The SAFE event was pushed back one weekend due to inclement weather, but that did not have much of an effect on how the event ran.
“[It’s] just the same thing, different days,” Raley said. “We’re kind of actually getting really high turnout.”
Justice is passionate about SAFE because she understands how important care for animals is.
“Animals rely on humans for care and protection,” Justice said. “Many shelter animals have been neglected, abandoned or mistreated. Plus, without shelters, the street would be overrun with strays. Helping them gives them a second chance at a safe and loving life, which every animal deserves.”
SAFE has many opportunities to work directly or indirectly with animals.
“I especially enjoy working directly with the animals, whether that’s walking dogs, playing with them or socializing,” Justice said. “I’ve helped clean kennels, socialize animals, assist with adoptions, and just spend time fostering the animals that can’t stay at the shelter for various reasons. I also like helping at adoption events because you get to see when an animal meets their new family.”
Justice said that caring for animals helps people be more selfless and find purpose in sacrificing their time for animals that need human help.
“Volunteering at shelters has shaped who I am,” Justice said. “It’s taught me responsibility, patience, and compassion. I can’t imagine not being involved in helping animals.”
Justice said that signing up to volunteer with SAFE in any way possible will be appreciated by shelter workers and the animals at the shelter.
“It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see an animal find a safe and loving home,” she said. “Helping animals isn’t just something I do. I enjoy every bit of it.”
