This semester, I returned to Southern Pines Animal Shelter as a canine companion. I had intentions of volunteering there last year, but I didn’t get very far due to the pandemic. I went in and walked numerous dogs for an hour on Thursdays. This was extremely enjoyable since I love animals. It was honestly, a much needed break during weeks that were extra stressful. I really got to use this time to just disconnect from things during the week. It really helped me to have that time to ground myself and made me remember my favorite part about having a dog.

So, I would suggest Southern Pines to anyone who enjoys being around or near animals. The dogs were always the sweetest. The most important thing I’d let people know before going to Southern Pines is that there is an orientation. Since you are working with animals, it is important that you pay attention to the rules that they have for the different volunteer opportunities. However, the staff at Southern Pines are extremely helpful and will guide you through the rules.

If anyone is looking for information on how to get involved with Southern Pines, I would suggest looking up the shelter on Givepulse.com, which is the website that is used to schedule volunteering so you can get a more in-depth idea of the range of opportunities. If you decide that you are interested after that you can email volunteer@southernpinesanimalshelter.org. That will help you get in contact with their volunteer coordinator David Fondren. Also, I am more than willing to help anyone who wants to get involved and has questions, so please feel free to email me at Anecia.Flewellen@usm.edu.

Anecia Flewellen is a sophomore scholar majoring in psychology.