ODHS offers enriching volunteer experience

by RACHEL BLISS & ABBEY MAGNET

Staff Writer | Photo & Sports Editor

When students come to Mary Washington, they often leave their pets at home, and the absence of their furry friend can contribute to feelings of homesickness. Old Dominion Humane Society offers a reprieve for all dog lovers to get their fix of puppy love while away from their pals back home. 

Just a 10-minute drive from Mary Washington at 3601 Lafayette Blvd., ODHS offers many ways to get involved, particularly as a volunteer at the shelter. As students may not be in a position to adopt a dog of their own, they can volunteer in a variety of capacities from completing paperwork to taking the dogs on walks and other adventures in the Fredericksburg area. Additionally, ODHS offers an animal welfare internship, which is an opportunity for aspiring veterinarians to work hands-on and gain educational experience in the field.

ODHS houses surrendered and rescued dogs of all different breeds, ages, sizes and personalities that are available to adopt or foster. As they care for over 100 dogs, they also accept donations and update a list of the most in-demand items on their website. 

Jessica Bronski, a sophomore biomedical sciences major, volunteers at ODHS from time to time. 

The process of becoming a volunteer is simple, according to Bronski, as students can easily accommodate their volunteer hours around their schedule.

To become a volunteer, those interested can register for an orientation session where a more experienced volunteer teaches them about the ins and outs of the shelter—cleaning the cages, filling dishes and doing laundry. After orientation, students join a Facebook group that provides them with information about ODHS and their events, along with the passcode to the shelter door that gives volunteers 24/7 access.

The volunteers at the society are committed to the safety and wellness of each dog that comes through the shelter, and they take necessary precautions to ensure that all volunteers and animals stay healthy. For example, new puppies are off-limits for less experienced volunteers until they have been fully vaccinated for both the animals’ and volunteers’ safety.

The shelter itself is filled with large kennels to ensure that each dog has a safe and warm place to stay. Additionally, there are two fenced-in outdoor areas where volunteers can take the dogs for some fresh air and enrichment.

The shelter offers various activities to give the dogs exercise and a change of scenery, as well as to increase their chances of adoption. For example, weekly adoption events take place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The organization also plans hikes, holiday parties and “puppy parties,” where up to 40 guests can celebrate birthdays or other significant events by playing with the dogs in the shelter. Additionally, ODHS will be running an educational, hands-on summer camp for the first time this year, where participants will receive hands-on educational experience.

With over 400 members on their volunteer Facebook page, ODHS has been able to make a substantial impact on these often unwanted animals. The organization rescues dogs from kill shelters to prevent unnecessary euthanization, giving them a second chance at life. They also work to educate the community on the importance of animal rescue.

Volunteering at ODHS is a reciprocally beneficial experience for the dogs and volunteers alike, as volunteers help the dogs by playing with them and taking them out for adventures, and the dogs offer their comforting presence.

According to the American Heart Association, “studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety, depression; ease loneliness; encourage exercise and improve your overall health.” Along with this, they say that “just playing with a dog has been shown to raise levels of feel-good brain chemical oxytocin and dopamine, creating positive feelings and bonding for both the person and the pet.”

Kate Hartman, a sophomore communication and digital studies major, is a regular at the shelter. She shared why she enjoys taking dogs out of the shelter for the day. 

“I like it because every dog I’ve picked up has had the chance to be around many people, and it’s always clear how happy the dog is. It’s also fun just because I get to hang out with a dog and it makes me happy,” said Hartman. “Dogs are fun to be around and play with, so it’s like getting a break from my academic responsibilities and focusing on giving that dog a good day.”

Academic life can be stressful for all of us with exams, quizzes, papers and difficult assignments. However, it’s important to participate in activities that give our brains a break and help put us in a positive mindset. Furthermore, the opportunity to interact and spend the day with a dog is a rare treat, particularly for those who are away from home and miss their pets. 

In all, Old Dominion Humane Society provides students with another outlet that is not only beneficial to society but also to one’s mental health.