Giving back this season: Volunteers help animal shelter dogs find new beginnings

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, Cheatham County Animal Control (CCAC) is looking for a special kind of gift – one that can’t be wrapped or placed under a tree. The shelter is asking for volunteers to help walk the many dogs in its care, with currently more than 20 furry friends awaiting their daily exercise and companionship.

Kingston Springs resident Helen Smith, a dedicated volunteer since January 2022, knows just how rewarding it can be to spend time with these dogs, and how vital dog walkers are to their well-being. “When I first started, I didn’t have a dog of my own. I grew up around animals, and this fills that void,” Smith said. "Instead of one dog, I have 20."

Smith’s journey to volunteering began with a simple invitation from a friend. “She put out a plea for help, saying, 'Hey, anybody interested in coming out to help with the shelter?' And I thought, ‘Why not?’”

What started as an occasional visit with her daughter soon turned into a regular commitment. “Once I got the dogs in and out on my own, I started coming almost every day, Monday through Friday,” Smith shared. As a stay-at-home mom with a flexible schedule, she’s made it her mission to spend time with the dogs when the shelter is short on help, especially during the day when many others are at work.

During my interview with Smith, we walked Asher who came to CCAC on Monday. Asher is at CCAC today and available for adoption. Dogs are only $35 for the month of November. / Cate Burgan

The need for volunteers like Smith has never been greater. The shelter has seen a surge in the number of dogs in need of attention, and the demand for dog walkers is high. “We have more than 20 dogs right now, and it's tough to get them out as much as they need to be. Ideally, we'd get them out four times a day, but with limited volunteers, sometimes they're lucky to get a 10-minute potty break,” Smith explained. “With more volunteers, the dogs can be out longer, which is really important for their mental and physical health.”

For Smith, walking dogs isn't just a task – it’s a meaningful way to give back. “The dogs really appreciate it,” she said. “They have no control over whether they get out or not, so my goal is to make the time they are out as rewarding for them as possible.” Whether she’s taking a dog for a run to burn off extra energy or a more relaxing outing to Hidden Lake, Smith sees the joy these outings bring. "They're always appreciative," she said with a smile. "They’re never shy about showing how much they love the experience."

Over her nearly three years volunteering, one of Smith’s favorite dogs, named George, is currently at CCAC. “I’ve never seen a dog light up like George does when I come in the kennel. He loves to roll in the grass and just be active,” Smith said. “He’s such an expressive dog, and you can tell he’s just so happy to get out and enjoy the day. It’s those moments that make it all worth it.”

George has had a rougher time at CCAC. According to Smith, the boxer mix was originally surrendered last year by his owner who was too elderly to care for him. He was eventually adopted but ultimately sent back to CCAC after a year. He is at the shelter today and available for adoption. Dogs are only $35 for the month of November. / Helen Smith

Smith’s volunteer work is not just about walking dogs. She also helps the shelter by providing valuable feedback on the dogs’ personalities. This information helps the shelter match dogs with potential adopters based on their lifestyle and the dogs' individual needs. “I can give feedback on their behavior, which helps the shelter know which dogs are best suited for different homes,” she said. It’s also a family affair for Smith. She often brings her 12-year-old daughter, which helps CCAC figure out if the dogs are kid-friendly before they head to their new homes. 

Despite the challenges of having so many dogs and not enough volunteers, Smith remains hopeful. “We have a steady group of about 10 volunteers who help out regularly, but the more people who come, the better it is for the dogs,” she said. “If you’re hesitant about coming out, just give it a try. It’s really easy, and the more often you come, the more you’ll get to know the dogs. That’s when you get hooked.”

“We moved far away from family,” she explained. “This just became our family away from family. So not only the dogs, but if you come the same shift … you get to learn the people. And then that also encourages you to come back out.” 

She continued, “It's not a sad place. Even when we do have dogs that come in in bad shape, you get to see them blossom and everything's for the better. They come out of bad situations, and then they get adapted and finally get that family they deserve.”

During my interview with Smith, we walked Asher who came to CCAC on Monday. Asher is at CCAC today and available for adoption. Dogs are only $35 for the month of November. / Cate Burgan

Smith encourages others to join her in giving back to the community this holiday season, whether by volunteering to walk dogs or helping out in other ways. “Even if you can only come for an hour, it makes a huge difference for the dogs. And the more time you spend with them, the more you’ll realize how much they appreciate it,” she said.

This holiday season, the CCAC staff and volunteers like Smith are asking for the community’s help in giving the dogs the time, care and attention they deserve. Whether it’s walking a dog, fostering or donating, there are many ways to support these animals in need.

As Helen puts it, “The dogs always appreciate it, and it’s such a rewarding experience. They bring my dose of happy every day.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, the shelter is open daily for shifts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reach out today, and make a dog’s holiday season a little brighter.