I have always adored animals, so when I moved to Boston after college, I jumped at the chance to become a volunteer at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ adoption center in Jamaica Plain (www.mspca.org). The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization that was founded in 1868, making it the second oldest humane society in the US. In addition to running four animal adoption centers in Massachusetts, the MSPCA operates world-class veterinary facilities and also provides advocacy, humane education, and law enforcement services on behalf of animals.
At the adoption center, I spend my time primarily with the dogs that are waiting for new homes. I try to volunteer for 2-3 hours most weekends, during which time I help to feed the dogs, train them, take them for walks, and play with them. Animals are brought to the MSPCA for a variety of reasons. For example, they may have been neglected or abused, found as strays, or surrendered by their owners. It is very difficult to hear about what some of these helpless animals have endured, but it is heartwarming to see them get adopted into loving new homes. The MSPCA does amazing work, and I find the time that I spend there to be personally very meaningful.
AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY
Emma Smith (OF) is the Co-President of the HBS Volunteers Club and Volunteer Coordinator for OF.
