SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Summertime is on its way. If you'd like to lay low, donate your time and cuddle with pups or kittens, Foothills Animal Rescue in Scottsdale needs you.
"We are a very small facility. We don't have a lot paid stuff, and so the volunteers really do make a difference," said Melissa Gable, a spokesperson for the shelter. "We rely heavily on their support."
Recently, it was National Volunteer Week. The rescue decided to use this time to recruit more volunteers and treat them with treats, like candy.
"We have more volunteers than we have had in a while, so we really wanted to focus on them this week and let them know how much we appreciate them," said Gable
Amelie Young is 18-years-old and attends Norte Dame Prep in Scottsdale. She volunteers her time as a "dog wagger."
"It's just a good way to socialize with other animals. You get exercise from walking around," said Young.
She says the greatest part of volunteering at the rescue is taking the pups out for walks with other volunteers and even picking dog poop at times.
"If I am walking with another person and we get left behind because I am picking up the dog's poop or something, then I run with [the dog] and get it all excited so it's happy to be on the walk," said Young.
We took a walk with one of the pups in the rescue and Young. Let's just say there was a lot of stop-and-go, but eventually, we made it.
Young says she has learned a valuable lesson volunteering for the rescue.
"You learn a lot of responsibility, there's so many people in the community that need help," said Young.
Pets need help too, and doing one simple thing such as volunteering can make a difference.
Foothills Animal Rescue is a no-kill shelter and is always looking for volunteers to join the family.
To get more information on how to become a "cat cuddler" or "dog wagger," click here.