news-record.com

Part of my responsibilities as a volunteer/employee at the SPCA of the Triad is to walk dogs. Normally, I enjoy this. It gives me time with the dog to learn its personality and do some training. But my opinion of dog walking went south Tuesday and Wednesday.

The two nights I work at the SPCA turned into a battle with the elements, and a battle with the dogs.

They have to be walked regardless of the weather. I've taken them out in the rain before, but this week it was different. The wind, the rain, the cold. It was just downright miserable. And the dogs didn't like it anymore than I did. They'd stand out in the rain, me right there with them holding the leash, not wanting to go cause they are cold and wet.

Luckily, the SPCA has this huge fenced-in area behind the building. So in theory I could just put them back there, and call them from the door to bring them back inside. This rarely works. Most don't go unless I'm standing in the rain with them.

After this week, I love my cats even more. And I have new found respect for dog owners. Because regardless of the weather, or the day of the week, you're out there walking your dog, while I'm staying warm and dry cleaning my cats' litter box.