Volunteering at Rocket Dog Rescue
Culminating Blog
April 25th, 2016
There were many tasks to be had as I volunteered at Rocket Dog Rescue.
The first would most likely be my looming fear of working and responsibility that exceeds past myself. I think making the choice to volunteer here was a great idea, as it combined the aspect of work, responsibility and something I love; dogs. It was a new experience that allowed me to understand how to think under pressure and handle troublesome watchers who did not respect the code of conduct with handling the dogs, as well as the dogs themselves. I believe making the choice to have my capstone experience here was a great idea as it also allowed me to learn more about the needs and moods of my own dog, which was a drastic switch after having only a cat for 6 years.
The first would most likely be my looming fear of working and responsibility that exceeds past myself. I think making the choice to volunteer here was a great idea, as it combined the aspect of work, responsibility and something I love; dogs. It was a new experience that allowed me to understand how to think under pressure and handle troublesome watchers who did not respect the code of conduct with handling the dogs, as well as the dogs themselves. I believe making the choice to have my capstone experience here was a great idea as it also allowed me to learn more about the needs and moods of my own dog, which was a drastic switch after having only a cat for 6 years.
While working with the public and trying to get dogs, communication is vital. At first I got no attention even if the dogs were cute, but I soon came to understand it was probably the intimidating and unwelcoming body language and tone I had. Because of this, I learned to loosen up and relax, which granted me more opportunity to interact with people and try and get those dogs into a better home! The website was a gold-mine for learning the dog's names and the senior volunteers.
I think I am pretty well versed in collaborating with people, but during my time here I learned an important new skill; learning how to collaborate and work together with those who are well over me in experience and seniority. I liked being called 'reliable' and ' a great volunteer' by the senior volunteers there as it made me feel like I made quite an impact. They relied on me on doing much of the heavy lifting as well as handling the rougher dogs. I'm absolutely glad to have made connections and contacts there; and I am more than ready to lend another helping hand whenever I can.
Some challenges I've faced were mostly quickly solved by asking for help or information, which is a skill I should probably transfer to the classroom sometime soon...
Sick and troublesome dogs, uninformed potential adopters and way too aggressive children were on my plate of things I had to overcome. The dogs were easier to handle than the people, but as a volunteer I had to enforce the rules and codes of conduct to many adults which was a bit strange... but in the end all worked out.
Sick and troublesome dogs, uninformed potential adopters and way too aggressive children were on my plate of things I had to overcome. The dogs were easier to handle than the people, but as a volunteer I had to enforce the rules and codes of conduct to many adults which was a bit strange... but in the end all worked out.
From the Capstone Project I believe I gained a wonderful experience outside of the classroom that crumbles the belief that learning can only be done in the classroom. I believe that some social inhibitions of mine affect me a little less now, as interacting and working with such kind adults has changed my fear of being 'just a kid' and being looked down upon.
Intellectually, I've learned that real world problem solving can be more easily done than I thought, as asking for help was never really my specialty.
At first I didn't really believe the Capstone did much.
But I was mistaken.
Hmmmm... you win this time, Educators.
But I was mistaken.
Hmmmm... you win this time, Educators.
-Janus Isaiah Pennington
