and finding real dog moments.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo Buscaglia
Back in December I made reference to something new that I was embarking on for 2017. It’s been a few years now since I have volunteered in a committed fashion not since my days of Search and Rescue with my bloodhound, Isabella.
Before that my beloved mastiff Brig and I would visit weekly at the nursing home to spread some joy and laughter to the residents there.
This year I decided that it was time to combine two of my passions, dogs and photography so I ventured into our local shelter to see if they could use my services.
Throughout my love affair with dogs I have always been afraid to spend time at a shelter, my excuse being that I thought it would be heartbreaking but like most preconceived ideas, that has been far from the reality.
I have found wonderful moments there and met a whole lot of people who spend their day dispensing kindness. I find myself looking forward to dropping in and spending time with the dogs, the shelter staff, and the many volunteers.
Sometimes you just have to get out of your own way and trust that good things will happen and if I can play even the smallest role in connecting these dogs with a forever home that would so satisfying.
Note: At the time of posting this wonderful dog, Luna, remains available for adoption at the Panhandle Animal Shelter in Ponderay, ID.
it's (almost always) about the water... 
Good for you. I will look into doing it here.
YES, awesome! Please let me know how it goes!
Such a wonderful way to donate time and highlight the personalities behind these dogs who are looking for their forever homes. Your pictures capture the essence of the bond these dogs are looking for.
Thank you, it has really been a great experience so far!
This is something that I would like to do as well. I just worry that I would want to rescue them all myself. Your pictures capture the heart.
Trust me, I have wanted to do this for quite some time and was afraid to as well BUT so far it has been an incredible experience and just yesterday one of the dogs who had been waiting for a while was adopted. A dark, hard to photograph brindle pit mix with a sweet interior.
Deeply worthy work, Sheryl, and you encourage us that shelter-visiting is not necessarily how we expect it to be. Your photos are sure to be the catalysts for connections to be made! I look forward to hearing of the success they bring.
…and this image is irresistibly loving.
Thanks Jenny. This supports a personal philosophy of mine to confront things that I’m reluctant or afraid to do and in many cases when I’ve done this it has opened my eyes to something unexpected. The kindness that I have observed has been incredible.