A few updates

 Before I get into what's been on my mind lately, let me share some of what I've been up to lately.

First, I completed my training to be a canine care volunteer at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society!  I could not be more thrilled, excited and honored to do this.  If you follow me on social media, you know I'm an animal lover but specifically a dog lover! I've had my Mady (Madylan Penelope and yes, I name my dogs like people because they are my fur babies!) for almost 12 years now and I've had Colt Bennett for almost 4.  

In the recent past, I've rescued and fostered dogs and if I didn't currently live somewhere with a two pet limit, I would have more. And because I'm currently limited to what I can have in my home, I decided it was time to help out one of our local shelters. I really wanted to work with a 100% no kill shelter. But I could not find one close by that would return my calls or respond to my inquiries. So I decided to check out the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. I told myself that if I could spend time with these dogs and make them less anxious about living in a shelter then they would be more adoptable and less like to be put down.

In my orientation I learned many wonderful things about GBHS that I did not know and had many assumptions dispelled. While they can't be a 100% intake shelter (meaning they do not turn down any surrenders) AND be 100% no kill, they have several avenues, utilize many resources and make every effort at getting these animals adopted and 95% do find homes. 

They are also committed to eliminating the problem of over population by not letting any animal leave the facility without being spayed or neutered. They no longer do certificates because sadly, many people cannot be trusted to use them.

And the facility is impressive! While it's still a shelter, each pet has ample room to move about within each kennel as well as several play yards and trails to be walked on. Staff and volunteers spend time putting the dogs together in play groups and even read to them!  The methods and training is very organized and specific and I'm looking forward to spending some free time there as well as helping with adoption events and transports.  Here are just a few pictures from last Saturday when I completed my training:

Also, softball has started back!!! I have yet to use my season ticket to Rhoads Stadium (UA) but I've been watching and Team 26 is very impressive. I'm pleasantly surprised since they lost so many good players from last year. But more importantly...

Sissypants played in the first tournament of the year for Vicious Softball last weekend. It was a LONG day but she played and hit very well! I love hanging out with my family and watching my sweet girl do what she loves! It's a great group of girls, too!