journal

I submitted my application to volunteer at the PSPCA. They replied with an email saying that I was invited to an orientation on Sept. 24th to begin my training!
 * Journal 1 - Sept. 15, 2011**

Today I went to the dog handling/training session at the PSPCA and it was so much fun! We took a quick tour of the greenhouse, which is where they keep all of the dogs. We got to walk around and pick a dog to take out on a leash and walk/play with. I chose a Jack Russell Terrier named Tito. He was very active but so nice and friendly! I took him into a big cage and played fetch with him, sat on a bench and pet him and just gave him a lot of attention. Most of the dogs in the shelter are pit bulls and although a lot of people are scared of them, I felt that they were just as nice as any other dog. I think it's the people that make them mean. They're good dogs, they just have a bad reputation. After I took out Tito I walked around the greenhouse and handed out treats to the dogs that weren't barking and pet some of the ones who were really nice. The hour I spent there tonight went by really fast, I was surprised! I had a lot of fun and I can't wait to go back.
 * Journal 2 - Sept. 28, 2011 (Total hours: 2)**

I was thinking that as part of my project I could organize a drive at the school for linens (towels, blankets, etc.), cardboard boxes/tubes, shampoos and conditioners, and brushes for the animals at the shelter.
 * Journal 3 - Oct. 2, 2011**

Today I went down to the shelter for an hour. It was raining so I didn't take any dogs out but I did dishes and gave some treats to the dogs in the green house.
 * Journal 4 - Oct. 2, 2011 (Total hours: 3)**

I am going to be fostering a Chihuahua named Tia! She is going to arrive at my house on the 22nd of October! I will be caring for her (of course) and I will be responsible for taking her to Meet and Greets with potential adopters! I'm very excited to start fostering as it is something I've wanted to do for a long time.
 * Journal 5 - Oct. 6, 2011**

Today I went to Cutter's Mill at Chalfont and displayed a bunch of dogs that are up for adoption with some of the Almost Home Dog Rescue people. I got my mentor forms signed (finally!) and talked with Liz about things I'm going to need for Tia when she arrives next weekend. I'm so excited for her to come! Anyway, I spent 2 hours hanging around with a 3 month old Shepard/Lab mix named Willow! She was so quiet but wanted to play with everyone the whole time. She was very calm and by the end of the two hours she was already laying next to me! I wanted to take her home!
 * Journal 6 - Oct. 16, 2011 (Total hours: 5)**

Today we picked up Tia from the airport! She hasn't barked at all and is so well-mannered. She listens very well and is super playful. We already have a potential adopter application. I'm so excited to start fostering her!
 * Journal 7 - Oct. 22, 2011 (Total hours: 6)**

Today was Tia's first Meet & Greet with the other Almost Home dogs! She was very friendly with everyone. Tia seemed to be a little frightened of the bigger dogs at first, but she got used to them quickly! She was super popular with everyone, and I think we had a mother and daughter really considering filling out an application! People love her overbite and love how quiet and nice she is. She only barked a few times when all the other dogs was barking but otherwise she is a very good dog.
 * Journal 8 - Oct. 23, 2011 (Total Hours: 9)**

We emailed a potential adopter for Tia the other day and we are waiting for a reply! She seems to have a little bit of a cough so she wakes up very, very early in the morning. We have to give her medications ever 10 days for it so hopefully she feels better soon!
 * Journal 9 - Oct. 25, 2011 (Total Hours: 25)**

I scheduled two applicants to come over on Sunday to meet Tia for the first time. I hope everything goes well! Also, I took Tia to the vet yesterday because she has kennel cough. But the vet gave her new medication so hopefully it will be gone soon and she will feel better in time for her adoption.
 * Journal 10 - Oct. 27, 2011 (Total Hours: 30.5)**

Today we had two applicants come and visit Tia. They were both really great applicants and both very nice! They loved Tia a lot. I decided that the first applicant was better suited for Tia because she is going to be home all day and that is good for Tia because she needs a lot of attention and supervision. This thursday we're going to do a home visit and then probably we'll be leaving Tia there in her new home! I'm so excited for her and her new family.
 * Journal 11 - Oct. 30, 2011 (Total Hours: 30+)**

On saturday I picked up Tia from the home I had originally put her in. There were a few things that weren't right in the home and it wasn't going to be a good environment for Tia so I decided to take her back and consider the other family. On sunday we did a home visit with the other applicants and it went great! They're such nice people and they love Tia a whole lot. I know they'll take care of her! On monday I drove up again to drop her off and sign the contracts. I'm so happy that Tia is finally somewhere safe and where she'll be loved. This has been so much fun!
 * Journal 12 - Nov. 5-7, 2011**

My hands-on project with Tia taught me a lot about responsibility. She was very energetic and required almost full time supervision. I am thankful that I was able to find her a home because it is something that is very important to me. I heard back from the family about a week later, and they told me that they love Tia and are having so much fun beginning their life with her in their family.
 * Journal 13 - Dec. 22, 2011**