Tonight Beth and I get the extreme joy of doing puppy laundry. Now, for those of you who don't quite understand what this is, let me paint the picture for you.
All week long, Jess (All 4 the Animals Prez) changes out the blankets in dog crates and puppy pens for the dogs that are staying with her. She puts the dirty laundry in trash bags and puts the trash bags in a corner until Beth and I come to take it to the laundromat. We usually make the weekly trek on Mondays, but this week, we're running a little late due to prior commitments.
We pick up the laundry at Jess' place, load it into Beth's station wagon/hatchback car (which it fills completely), and head to the laundromat to essentially take over as many washers and dryers as we can find. We average about 35 loads of laundry a week. Fortunately, the laundromat we use has 5-loaders, so it doesn't take as many washers up that way. After washing and drying, we fold it all, stuff it back in the car, and drop it back off. The whole ordeal takes about 3 hours, which might not sound too horrible. However, to put it in perspective, we work outside DC, so we leave around 6:30 and don't get home until around 10:30.
Now, as volunteers we understand that there is always a shortage of help. And, an even greater shortage of volunteers that are able and willing to give up a majority of their time. So, while the phrase 'puppy laundry' doesn't sound too bad, lugging, washing, and folding an average of 35 loads of horrible smelling towels, sheets and blankets gets pretty old, week after week. Add in a few other stresses, such as worse-than-usual traffic, a full laundromat, the crazy lady working there, and how laundry stinks up Beth's car, its a wonder we've lasted this long.
I can't always speak for Beth, but I know I would've turned tail and ran already if those pups weren't so darn cute. Such is the life of a foster/volunteer. Everything you do is for those little furballs. You may not enjoy everything that needs to be done, but you do it anyway, knowing it's going to make their lives even a little bit better. You just secretly wish there were more people to help along the way.
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." - Ben Williams
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3 comments:
I wanna see a picture of chubbs....he sounds cute!
Nic,
My mom is considering getting another dog. Do you ever have large dogs? I know my dad is interested in a bloodhound. I'd love to see pics of dogs you house when you get some time. Great job! Keep up the good work. You should email Oprah; she had a special on shelters. She might put up a link, especially since you're outside of DC. Hope all is well.
Jessica
Nicole,
Your mom sent me your website about what you are doing for the shelter. Keep up the good work. My heart goes out to all those doggies. Indeed more people need to be aware of the over population of puppies. Hope all is well with you and things are going good with your job.
Brenda Long
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