Florida Dog Shelter Desperately Needs People To Come Snuggle Shelter Dogs
The perfect job does exist, and it is as adorable as it sounds. A rescue shelter in Tampa, Florida, is looking for volunteers to snuggle shelter dogs, and the need is so real that it has become a local story of its own.
The Humane Society wants people who can give dogs some extra love, even if adoption is not possible right now. For animal lovers who do not have the time, money, or space to bring home a pet, this is the kind of volunteer opportunity that feels almost too good to be true.
Now the only question is whether Tampa can send enough cuddle help to keep up.
The Humane Society in Tampa Bay is looking for people who are ready and willing to snuggle shelter dogs! Their lonely but lovable shelter residents are still awaiting their forever homes, and in the meantime, they need humans. Could you be one?
Meet retired deputy Jeff Honig. He is one of the regulars who comes to snuggle pups. Clearly, in stark contrast to his previous work, it's also quite different from what he has going on at home. Honig has four cats, but he really loves dogs, too! Unable to personally adopt any, he took on the ruff job of dog-snuggler to get his daily dose of doggo.
Jeff insists that the experience is calming and loving for the dogs, but he also gets "a lot out of it, too."
Want more cuddly chaos? Eden the rescue dog is ready to hold hands with everyone who walks by.
The Tampa shelter definitely appreciates Jeff's dedication to the dogs in need. One would certainly think that there's a line out the door of participants ready and willing to be professional pup pals, but that's actually not the case.
According to shelter representatives, students are usually a steady source of volunteer snugglers, but when school is not in session, it becomes much more strenuous to find volunteers. Not only that, but the students aren't active the entire school year! When the peak of winter arrives, students are usually (and understandably) very engrossed in their schoolwork and exam preparations and simply don't have as much spare time or energy to come snuggle the dogs.
Alas, there are pups who need love all year long, not just at the beginning and end of the college semesters. What's even more heartbreaking is that some dogs need more love and attention than others, like the pups who have just gone through surgery, for example. Recovering from surgical procedures, no matter how routine, is often a confusing and scary experience for dogs.
I think back to my pup's neutering last year at 3 years old, and the poor thing looked miserable when he got home. He definitely wanted gentle pats and strokes on his head for reassurance that everything was okay and that he was, indeed, a good boy.
Thinking of dogs in the shelter not getting any post-op loving is heartbreaking.
If you're as sad as I am and living in the Tampa area of Florida in the United States, check out this video that aired on the local news to learn more about being a professional snuggle companion for the dogs at the Humane Society!
If you're nowhere near Florida, perhaps this is a good time to call your local dog shelter and ask what volunteer opportunities they have! Most dog shelters offer opportunities to walk dogs, play with dogs, cuddle dogs, or just generally help out around the facility. Let this be the perfect opportunity to propel you into great chances to help the animals in your community!
That is one very specific volunteer shortage.
Wait, Gumby returned to shelter 11 times, check out what the staff found out after the dog came back.
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