Instead of screens today, why not… walk a dog?
A few weeks ago Max and I discovered somewhere wonderful. It’s Monika’s Doggie Rescue out Ingleside way in Sydney and it’s a place where little boy’s dreams can come true. Every day from 10am until around 3pm, Monika needs volunteers to give up about one hour of their time to walk a dog in need. Monika rescues dogs bound for ‘death row’ at pounds across the state and they are all housed at her facility on a farm at Ingleside while they wait for adoption. This is a massive operation that rescues around 500 dogs every single year. That’s a lot of dogs that need walking.
It was a simple, fun thing to do and Max and I met a new four-legged friend called Sienna (that’s our little cutie bitsa up there!), but, more than that, we met a new friend called social consciousness. Max is suddenly switched on to the importance of caring for those who can’t care for themselves.
Since first walking Sienna we have met and enjoyed the company of a few more dogs, but Sienna is always the dog we ask for first. She’s a lovely pup that has given us a chance to bond with a doggy when I’m just not keen on having one of our own. I do feel bad about that (the aim of Monika’s is to find homes for the dogs after all), but I think being there for these dogs is the next best thing.
In fact, can’t think of a better thing to do with the time you’ll save from missing out on the screens than helping out! You can meet and walk Monika’s dogs from Ingleside from Tuesday – Sunday, or on weekends at Chatswood, Alexandria, Surry Hills or Parramatta. Click here for information on how to become a volunteer.
There’s nothing quite like Monika’s in other states, but you could try contacting the AWLA (Animal Welfare League Australia), RSPCA or Pet Rescue.
As a nice tie-in, tomorrow I’ve got a really special guest writing about becoming more charitable, so stay tuned for that!
Do you have the opportunity to get out and about with a pet?
Join me here:
Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | G+
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I haven’t got a dog but I am totally desperate for one. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be a dog owner any time soon, not while I’m working full time anyways! But this is such an awesome idea! Huzzah for Monika! I am totally going to be all over this.
Maxabella says
And just like that, I am so grateful I wrote this post! Monika’s will be perfect for you, Sammie. It’s a really special thing to do. x
KezUnprepared says
What a lovely thing to do! I love what it’s teaching your kids too! Fantastic.
Maxabella says
Me too, Kez, so much! x
Kathy says
This is a fantastic idea Bron – glad you both enjoy it so much. Under a lot of pressure to get another dog in our household and I will probably cave.
Maxabella says
You could always try walking your dog and a rescue dog and see if you like it?! x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
I’ve heard of Monika’s mission, and think she must be a really special person.
My 2 canine kids are beside themselves when I walk them at the beach. Pets go a long way in teaching our kids a lot of good stuff, don’t they? x
Maxabella says
I just feel so blessed to be able to experience the love of a dog and the joy of walking them without the commitment of being a dog owner. I think it’s win-win! x
Life With The Crew says
Love that you shared this! Dog rescues always need volunteers. Keeping the dogs well socialized is a challenge when they are living in a kennel.
Maxabella says
You know, until we stumbled across Monika’s, I never even considered who walks the dogs who are in care! x
Holly says
That is so lovely, I used to do it every Sunday. I should definitely like to look into something like this again, here in Canada.