Buddy Schum of Bucks County is passionate about helping the Bucks County community thrive. Currently, Buddy Schum volunteers at a local animal shelter. In the following article, Mr. Schum shares the many benefits one experiences as an animal shelter volunteer.
There are a great number of groups and organizations in practically every community who will benefit from having volunteers come and give their time and effort to help out.
Perhaps no group could be as deserving as those who look after animals. Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that to volunteer at an animal shelter is one of the best ways to give back to the community, and the benefits to all involved may be surprising.
It is Known to Improve Mental Health
Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that volunteering is beneficial to those looking to boost their sense of wellbeing. Medical professionals have noted the improvements in mental health, including lowering rates of depression, reducing stress levels, and even promoting relaxation by the increased levels of dopamine that come from working as a volunteer.
In addition, spending time with animals is proven to have similar effects, along with reducing blood pressure and feelings of loneliness in those who are look after them. Buddy Schum of Bucks County reports that this can only mean one thing: volunteering at an animal shelter provides twice as many benefits.
It Helps Out an Overburdened Sector
Americans love animals, but all too often animals are found to become a burden to some. Puppies and kittens, often bought as gifts, are surrendered to animal shelters in high numbers. Recent financial crises mean that even the most well-intentioned of owners finds another mouth to feed simply too much.
Animal shelter staff work long hours for relatively low levels of pay. They do it because they love animals, but the sector is stretched to the limit. Volunteers can help lift a little of the load, by assisting in cleaning, walking, feeding, and even finding forever homes for the large number of animals in the shelter.
Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that simply spending time with an animal when the staff are too busy can be a task for a volunteer, and an animal who has more human contact is less likely to suffer sickness.
Alleviating Loneliness and Grief
People deal with stress and troubles every minute of every day, and after the death of a loved one, particularly a partner, it can leave a person feeling deep loneliness and isolation.
Volunteering at an animal shelter can restore a sense of purpose to a person's day and can supply all the love and attention animals give in abundance, without having to commit to the responsibility of taking home a pet full time explains Buddy Schum of Bucks County.
For those who volunteer at animal shelters to help them in times of grief, the end result is many times one where an animal or two ends up finding a forever home with the volunteer, too.
A Way to Gain Experience
Even for those who have not had an adverse experience or are suffering from loneliness, a role as an animal shelter volunteer can bring a huge number of benefits. In particular, those looking to get into certain career paths or expand their resume find volunteering an invaluable tool.
Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that prospective employers are usually very impressed with prospective applicants who engage in volunteer work. It shows dedication, the hunger to build up a skill set, and the ability to work along with others, even when money is not a motivation.
The experience to be had from volunteering is invaluable and working with animals is particularly rewarding and admirable.
Helping to Get an Animal Fix
For a nation of animal lovers, it's not always made easy for people to have pets explains Buddy Schum of Bucks County. Landlords, homing associations, and other home management companies can prohibit animal ownership.
By volunteering at an animal shelter, it means those who love to spend their time with dogs, cats, and all manner of furry friends, can get their fix without breaking their residency rules. Animals love to be loved wherever they are, even if that means they don't yet have their permanent home.
Buddy Schum of Bucks County says some volunteers do so to see how well they look after animals, too, and it doesn't do any harm at all to get some experience looking after animals if getting one in the near future is a possibility.
Animal shelter staff are always grateful for any help that can be given to them, and they especially appreciate those who are as dedicated to the care of animals as they are.
