Editor,

That’s a message on a poster encouraging people to volunteer at the WAIF Animal Shelter.

When I started to walk dogs as a volunteer in the 1990s the shelter was usually at capacity, with 36 dogs all clamoring to get out for a walk. Unless a bunch of dog-walkers showed up, many dogs didn’t get a chance that day.

Now, possibly thanks to WAIF’s spay/neuter efforts over the past 20 years, the dog population is usually between 10 and 15, still too many for one volunteer to walk. Many days no volunteers come by, so no dogs are walked.

Sitting in a kennel for months on end waiting for a new home tests a dog’s sanity, and getting that daily walk helps keep the animal adoptable until that home opens up.

If you love dogs, like to exercise to stay trim, and want a way to make yourself feel useful, please contact WAIF at 678-0208 and become a dog walking volunteer. Volunteers may come to the shelter whenever they like, starting at noon, except on holidays when the shelter is closed.

RON KERRIGAN

Clinton