A: Managing the volunteer program is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my work. In a job where it is easy to question the kindness of people because we see so many neglected animals, working with our volunteers can quickly renew our faith in the goodness of humanity.

Before people can begin volunteering we ask if they have really thought about it. The challenges for volunteers may be both physical and emotional.

It can be a challenge walking dogs in the cold rain of winter or the blistering heat of summer. Cleaning litter pans, washing dog bowls or filing stacks of paperwork is not glamorous work. There is also the time commitment, currently a minimum of eight hours every month. Most difficult though is knowing there are more dogs and cats than there are homes for them. Animals that a volunteer gets to know and grows fond of will not necessarily find a home.

While it can be difficult, it can also be immensely rewarding. Many volunteers value the time they spend here. It may be the simple pleasure of doing good, or perhaps the companionship of other kind and compassionate people. For most, the rewards come from the animals themselves, as the affection of an animal is a priceless joy!

Some folks find it too difficult to work directly with the animals but still find incredibly important ways to contribute. We ask them to help in other ways such as by making presentations to schools and civic groups or by manning information tables at events. We also need people to help us raise crucial funds by planning events like our Walk for the Animals or the Tails at Twilight Gala. There is a job for everyone as we work ending pet overpopulation in our community.

So how does one become a volunteer? After contacting the APS of Durham, the prospective volunteer will sign up to attend a volunteer orientation. Orientations fill up quickly but give important information about different areas of need and guidelines to new volunteers. After orientation the new volunteer will then be trained in the area he or she chooses to help.

Besides the time commitment involved, we require volunteers to be at least 18 years old in order to work unsupervised with the animals. I'll address ways younger folks can help the animals in a future column. The main thing we ask is a desire to help. The generous people who give so much of themselves by volunteering really do make the shelter and our community a better place for the animals.