Love Puppy Kisses? There's a Club for That

Nov 09, 2011

There's a new club in town. And your kids are going to want to join it, like, yesterday!

The Austin Pets Alive! Puppy Club was started earlier this year as a way for puppies to get some special love and attention, and for younger volunteers to have an opportunity for hands-on experience and time with the youngest dogs waiting for their forever homes.

"Puppy Club does all kinds of things. We have had a 'Spa Day for Pups,' we have had a food drive, and we have helped out with the puppies at adoption events. Basically, anything involving puppies, and we're there!" said Sameera, 13-year-old volunteer youth leader with Puppy Club. Most recently, Puppy Club volunteers helped out at the Fall Petsival hosted by Austin Pets Alive!

"Apart from service, Sameera is learning first hand about leadership, communication, organization skills and technical skills," said Sameera's mom, Shanti. "Since she is only 13 years old, I am always with her when she is at APA! headquarters or an adoption center. It has been a great mom/daughter bonding experience for us."

Puppy Club is an excellent opportunity for students ages 8-18 who are mature and passionate about helping homeless dogs in our community, and are interested in volunteering with Austin Pets Alive! Not only do the young volunteers benefit from the experience, but the puppies do, too.

"Socialization for puppies is vital to their well-being!" said Ariana Gum, Austin Pets Alive! Dog Behavior Manager. "Interaction from APA's Puppy Club volunteers socializes our pups with children, noises, experiences so that they are more prepared for a life full of all of those adventures!"

The puppies love it, and so do the volunteers.

"My favorite part of Puppy Club is getting to volunteer with the puppies as a team," Sameera said. "We get a lot more done as a team than just one person alone. The puppies are totally adorable, and I love working with them!"

If you'd like to learn more about Puppy Club, email [email protected].