Задача по теме: "Понимание информации в тексте"

Two years ago, when I was thinking about my summer plans, all I wanted to do was to work with animals. I wanted to work at an animal hospital or at a facility that trains animals to work with the disabled. They are both within easy reach of my home and they usually have intern programmes for school students. Unfortunately, all internships involving animals require you to be at least sixteen, and I wasn’t. That is why I decided to volunteer at my local animal shelter. I realized that I didn’t need an internship just to get the hands-on experience I was looking for and it was probably the best decision I have ever made.

Working at an animal shelter isn’t the most glamorous work. I would not advise you to wear your favourite shirt when training dogs because the big slobbering kiss that the Boxer is going to give you will go all over it. I wouldn’t wear new sneakers when feeding the cats either, especially near that one black tabby that shows her displeasure of particular food by spitting it out at random targets.

Despite all this, it’s an amazing and rewarding experience. While there are many tough chores, like feeding, cleaning up after the animals or washing their dirty beds, there are also fun ways to directly interact with the animals. I have always loved walking around and deciding which dog to take to the training room to teach new tricks. Yet it is always a difficult decision because the dogs always get extremely excited to see you, and it can be hard to just pick one.

I remember teaching a mixed breed Collie how to sit and to give her paw. After that every time I came with a treat, without even giving the commands, she immediately sat and gave me her paw. The experience was as motivating and exciting as it was to teach my own Labradoodle puppy to do the same tricks. In addition to teaching the dogs tricks, you can also take them for walks. Training the dogs how to act appropriately during a walk is probably the most difficult task because each dog acts differently on their walk, and it is not always easy to gauge how each dog will react in certain situations.

When I started to work in the shelter, I was terrified of cats. However, once I came with my friend, a cat lover, who convinced me to interact with one of the cats directly. Slowly, my fear subsided, and now I love playing with cats. While I still prefer hanging out with the dogs, I make sure to set aside enough time to go to the cat room during a visit, especially because most volunteers only come for the dogs.  

Many people don’t realize the importance of donations for a shelter’s survival. Shelters often run out of basic supplies like newspapers and towels. When I heard about this, I solicited small donations from my school to allow the shelter to purchase necessities, which made the shelter extremely grateful. People also don’t realize that in order to help a shelter, they don’t have to work directly with animals. There are so many other ways to contribute such as raising money, soliciting donations, or even helping at the front desk.

Being an animal shelter volunteer makes you feel like you are doing the right thing. After spending time with the animals, whether it’s taking them for a walk, giving them a bath or just showing them your love, their personalities come out and they start to shine. You can see this change in their behaviour instantly, which is, in my opinion, truly rewarding.

It is scientifically proven that spending time with animals is good for your emotional, physical, and mental health. It will also keep you active, especially if you prefer to walk dogs. Finally, you gain professional and life experiences. Volunteering is a great way to try out a new career or to try something new.  

(Adapted from ‘My Experience Volunteering at an Animal Shelterʼ by Doria Leibowitz)