Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Planning a Vacation?



A resident of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

A vacation type that has become increasingly popular in recent years is a "working vacation". By that, I mean you travel to a place with the specific plan of doing something more than sitting on the beach, such as becoming a cowpoke on a cattle ranch. In that spirit, I'd like to suggest a volunteer vacation experience that would be perfect for animal lovers.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located in Angel Canyon, Utah, is our nation's largest shelter for homeless pets. Housing between 1700 and 2000 animals at any given time, this 33,000 acre ranch is home to dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, and farm animals. The animals come from shelters where they might otherwise be euthanized. Most animals are in need of medical or behavioral rehabilitation before they can be placed in a permanent home.

Caring for so many animals requires a lot of effort. Best Friends seeks both regular and visiting volunteers and has a variety of opportunities available. I have friends who volunteered at Best Friends and described the experience as remarkable. Someday (sigh), I hope to get there myself. Not only is the area beautiful, but who wouldn't love helping a homeless animal?

I'll bet this is one vacation you'd remember for a lifetime.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a perfectly wonderful idea! And as you say, in an area of great beauty as well.

The Word Place said...

I used to volunteer at a shelter--scrubbing litter pans, hosing pens, etc. It was a rewarding experience but sad to see so many "dumped" animals needing care. Bravo for the sanctuary caring for so many!

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Pat,
Another great post and photo!
Donna