Finding Community at an Animal Shelter Anonymous

Monday morning. I wake up to the birds singing and the sun radiating brightly, ready to conquer the day. I get ready, dressed in leggings and a long-sleeve t-shirt despite the 90º weather. I jog out the door, hop in my car, and speed away.

Once I arrive, I sign in, grab my badges, leashes, and doggy bags. I’m at the St. Louis Pet County Adoption Center (PAC), or the ultimate place to find love, albeit slightly understaffed. I begin my daily routine; I clean the cat cages, refill the food and water, and clean the litter. I then take a quick break to “socialize” the cats, or, in layman’s terms, provide the cats with love and attention so they can adapt to human presence. Personally, as a crazy cat lady, this is my favorite part of the day.

Next, I move onto the dogs, or my daily struggle. I am a solid 5’, so walking the dogs provides a challenge, as most of them are easily taller and stronger than me. However, with some quick reflexes and determination, I manage to walk even the largest dogs. In fact, I often jog with them to the park, there taking a break to lay in the grass and play.

When I came to the PAC, they were short-staffed, unorganized, and filled to the brim with lonely animals. I decided to take this as a personal...