How to combat the winter doldrums

Happy almost-end-of-January, everyone!  Like many places in the US this month, we've had our share of really, really cold, snowy icy weather, mixed with some really warm days.  However, the dogs and cats at Good Shepherd are doing well.  Adoptions have been a little slower than last year, but the bad weather has also kept us closed for some days.
  Many people seem to suffer from "the doldrums" during January.  Maybe it's because of the letdown following the holiday season, or the cold, snowy days that always seem to be dark.  January can be a tough month for everyone.  But I have a cure for the blues--come visit the animals at Good Shepherd!!!  We have a wonderful group of cats and dogs that would love to spend some special "cuddle time" with you.  All it takes is a willing heart, and a few minutes out of your busy day.  We all read about the health benefits from petting a dog or cat.  Spending time with a pet can lower your blood pressure, improve mood, and just in general make you feel great.  More importantly, spending time with an animal at the shelter means that the dogs and cats benefit from your wonderful companionship, too.  Bring along a book, or bring a CD of classical music or light music to play.  Try reading to the cats in the lighthouse or the new "teen cat colony."  I know, I know, it sounds silly--but don't knock it until you try it!!!!
   I've been thinking this week about the whole idea of "shelter".  Far too often I hear volunteers and our wonderful donors say things like "It just breaks my heart to see the animals like that."  "I can't bear to go to the shelter because it's so sad," and so on.  Yes, it can be sad, but it does not need to be depressing.  Focus on the word "shelter".  A shelter is something that covers and protects: not a sad and lonely place, but a place of hope and happiness.  Is a shelter as good as a family and a warm home?  No, I don't think any of us would argue that.  However, as a place of safety and protection, there isn't anywhere better for our stray and unwanted animals of Carroll County to be but here.  I like to think that our shelter staff, volunteers and members provide warmth, safety, protection, love and HOPE to all the dogs and cats in our care.  Perhaps we don't always do it perfectly, and perhaps we sometimes get overwhelmed by the seemingly unending need, but the one thing none of us do is give up!!! 
  We don't just warehouse our animals.  We strive every day to give them all some extra attention, some affection, some kindness.  Our volunteers do a fabulous job filling in the gaps when staff are too stretched to provide all the little touches.  Remember--"shelter" is what we do--we love and protect those in our care.  So the next time you hear someone say it's "too sad" to come to Good Shepherd's shelter, I hope you'll think of these words and pass them along.