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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Worth the weight ... Oregon author Brian Doyle visits valley ... 'Ring of Fire' a loving tribute to iconic country star Johnny Cash ... Worth the weight ... Oregon author Brian Doyle visits valley ... 'Ring of Fire' a loving tribute to iconic country star Johnny Cash ... ESSAY CONTEST ENTRY Essay Contest Entry: Just volunteer Comment By Sunny LeGrand DailyTidings.com By Sunny LeGrand Posted Feb. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Sunny LeGrand Posted Feb. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Make the world better? Who can do that? Anyone — just volunteer! Even science supports this. As early as 1956, we learned older folks who did good works lived longer, and studies continue to support health benefits for everyone. From lowering stress hormones to increased antibody levels, it just makes sense. But how was I going to do this, being new to the area? Working with animals, I thought, so I went to the local animal shelter. I had been acquainted with shelters in other areas, and was concerned. Here there is no reason for that — we have a winner in the Jackson County Animal Shelter! With an excellent staff and volunteer teams from Friends of the Animal Shelter, there is a very strong sense of compassion in action. There is no attitude of euthanizing for space. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” There are countless stories that speak to "greatness" at JCAS. I haven’t experienced all that history, but I surely can speak to the recent past. Things like volunteers raising funds for animal surgeries beyond the budget; installing training programs to make our dogs better behaved and more adoptable; public outreach resulting in stacks of blankets, food, puppy pads, etc.; animal lovers "paying it forward" fee donations, and the list goes on. I have to mention a unique story about a very sensitive cat called “Puck.” Several of us knew he was wonderfully sweet, but he didn’t — couldn’t — warm up to the public. In human terms, we couldn’t help but wonder if he had a kind of autism. When we finally did find him a home, it didn’t work. Puck came back to us. We understand these things can happen even with the best of intentions. We were grateful he was returned to offer a safe second chance. Unfortunately, Puck came back with ringworm — usually a death sentence in shelters. The cure is painstaking and long, and ringworm is highly contagious. Puck had touched so many people that a valiant effort erupted. Funds were collected to build a small off-site treatment and recovery center. It’s, of course, called “Puck’s Place.” Through these extraordinary efforts, a small healing place was built. Puck was saved and is thriving in his new “forever home.” So when hearts are touched and action is taken, the outcome is nothing short of miraculous. We saved an animal and created a future for more healing. What better example of making the world a better place? And in the process, humans were positively affected as well! So it’s clear that much is being done, so you might ask, how do I contribute? Well, I’m just like all the good folks who volunteer with FOTAS. I apply the skills from my professional and personal experiences to help whenever, wherever in addition to working in the kennels. Sometimes it’s as simple as staying to help someone meet a dog even though I was just signing off from my shift helping cats. And there are times when I cruise the cat kennels after my “dog shift” to give comfort and assurance that people really can be good to them. You know what? They give it back to me in spades! In my humble opinion, making the world a better place is the best way to live. It supports that natural cycle of life: giving and receiving. I do good, I stay healthy and I continue to do good. Happy, healthy and deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the cycle. By Sunny LeGrand DailyTidings.com By Sunny LeGrand Posted Feb. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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