Although I am still disheartened by the fact that nobody seems to even KNOW that there are several pit mixes that desperately need homes at the local Alameda shelter, much less WHERE the shelter is even located, I'll happily promote them here.
Unlike the smaller dogs, these larger breeds are working, athletic dogs that need constant exercise, socialization and training in order to not go STIR-CRAZY in their tiny cages. This is even more essential for dogs living in "long-term stay" facilities like Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter.
But after a year of advocating for more volunteers who will walk and exercise the shelter's larger dogs, no one seems to be listening. Just today I was informed that these deserving pits and pit mixes aren't being walked for sometimes DAYS at a time. What in the world is the Volunteer Coordinator doing? I thought we had hundreds of volunteers??? Where are they? Freaking coordinate already!
Now to be fair, I had heard that FAAS had hired a PR contractor or something like that to come in and accessed the situation. They interviewed volunteers and staff and asked questions around how they could improve the way the facility was run, so I know they are looking for solutions. I know FAAS wants to adopt out their larger dogs, they just don't quite know how yet, and that's OK! As long as they are open to new ideas, community collaborations and fostering programs... even the larger, bully breeds can find loving homes.
Let's tap into our resources and get these FAAS bully breeds ready for adoption. Let's enroll them into training programs so they can learn doggy manners and become more adoptable. And most importantly, let's keep their bodies and minds healthy during their stay with MORE walks.
Are you a volunteer? Would you like to become one? Would you walk the larger dogs? Then step right up and make a difference. Contact FAAS and if the Volunteer Coordinator doesn't get back to you, KEEP CALLING HER. These dogs need you!
volunteer.faas@gmail.com / 510-337-8575
