KSPCA- May 9th, 2012

Today was our last trip to the KSPCA. It was a memorable experience, and as usual, we all had a lot of fun.
The bus ride there and back was much longer than it normally is, because there was traffic. Again, most of the people who signed up for the trip didn't show up. There were around 6 middle schoolers, and three high schoolers (me, lucie vovk, and gwynne liversage).
When we got to the KSPCA we went straight into one of the shelters and helped dish out steaming food to the hungry dogs. At one point two dogs fought, but one of the workers came in and pushed them apart. It was scary to see it though. In one room there was a mother dog with around ten puppies, this was a bittersweet thing to see because the puppies were absolutely adorable, but their stomachs bulged out too much and their ribs showed. I was shocked to see how hungry they were, and wondered how they got to be in such dire conditions.
After this we swept the courtyard a bit, there was a lot of leaves covering the floor and it took us a while to get even half of it looking clean again! We were then allowed to go round and play with the animals, most of the group squeezed into the cat section, but I went to the puppies. It was hard to get into the cages, because every time I opened the door one would slip out and start running around the compound! Two got out and the fluffy white one was so hyper that I thought I'd never catch it!
There was a tiny jack russell that I fell in love with, it was so soft and nestled onto my lap, licking my hand with its soft pink tongue. I wondered why these beautiful animals weren't adopted quicker, for example I saw some dogs that I had known as tiny puppies. They looked so ready to love a family and be given a home and I wondered how anyone could deny them that.
When the lady called for us to come back to the bus my shorts were covered with mud, and I didn't exactly smell like roses, but I was sad to leave nonetheless. This experience was amazing for me, I can't believe how much I enjoyed helping these dogs and making a difference in their lives. I learnt a lot about what animals go through and why. Most importantly, these trips only solidified my decision to try and help out at the rescue center in France, and join this trip again next year. I wish there was more I could do, but I am certain more opportunities will come.

The sadness, love, and hope I saw in these animals eyes will stay with me for the rest of my life. I will always want to go to the KSPCA and ADOPT THEM ALL, but until then I will strive to do what else I can to help.