It Needs To Be Done

Ever get burned out on something? I think everyone has. With some things we have a higher endurance than others. Like that neon day-glo fad in the late 80's. Gross. That was here for like 5 minutes. But other things, like online commerce and gasoline engines? Well, those have both been around for a while now, I don't suppose they'll disappear anytime soon.

After I graduated from college in 2002 I found that I had a lot of free time on my hands. Instead of fixing up my ailing 85 year old home or getting a second job, or even sitting and home feeling sorry for myself, I started volunteering. For a year or two I volunteered both for No More Homeless Pets In Utah, an animal welfare group and for the National Ability Center, a recreation mecca for persons with disabilities of all varieties located in Park City, UT. On February 21, 2004 I participated in the world's first adaptive bobsled race. That season and the season prior (2003/2004) I volunteered in varius capacities most memorably as a 'test subjet' or 'guinea pig'. I would ride brake (that's backseat) of the 2 man sled for various athletes in training. The Olympic track goes up to 80+ mph during some runs. Talk about fierce rush. I was in the presence of greatness and I won't soon forget it. Especially the spills, and bumps and bruises--I do have some battle scars but I have no regrets whatsoever. In the summer time I also participated in the adaptive cycling program at the Ability Center. I basically got to hang out and meet more awesome people and ride my mountain bike. Beforehand I think I had to learn some basic first aid or how to fix an adult trike or hand cycle or some such nonsense, but of course I never had to use that knowledge.

In the Fall of 2004 I became more involved with NMHPU and was approached to oversee the Animal Ambassadors program, which includes community outreach and education, and merchandise sales. Animal Ambassadors are volunteers that go to various festivals and gatherings throughout the community and talk to people, spreading the word and message of No More Homeless Pets In Utah. Handing out literature and educating, and fundraising via the sale of merchandise. Spring of 2005 I became increasingly involved with NMHPU and was unable to commit to the Ability Center that summer. Which was probably ok, as the cycling program was pretty stacked with folks to assist the year prior. I likely wasn't missed that much. I worked tirelessly the summer of '05 for NMHPU traveling to various events, often far outside the city, often by myself. I'm no wimp but hauling around hundreds of pounds of boxes of tee shirts, tables, chairs, event canopies and media displays can take its toll on anyone. What was my motivation? It needed to be done.

And there is still a lot more to do. Animals have brought me a great deal of joy. And despite as cliche and cheesy as it sounds, it is my way of paying them back. Unfortunately, companion animals are still dying in shelters daily because there aren't enough homes for them. But instead of dwelling on this negative, I can only myself push forward and 'do what needs to be done'.
I have been less involved with the volunteer effort over the past 6 months, for a variety of personal and professional reasons. A lot of the volunteers think it's because I am getting married. That is part of the reason, but not entirely. I think we all need a break from some things from time to time. That being said, may have been burnout, maybe not, but for a while there I was in sheer survival mode in my personal life, so like the Ability Center the year prior, something had to go. I didn't volunteer much at all over this past summer. So while I hope that was only a temporary pause in the continuing endeavor of NMHPU, no matter what my involvement level, and no matter if it is sanctioned by an organization, I will always remain loyal to my feline and canine friends because that is all they have ever been to me. It just needs to be done.