Get Out with Ord: Playtime for puppies

Karen Mullins never intended to stay in her job as long as she has, but said it is love that keeps her there.

Mullins is the manager of the Humane Society of Southern Illinois in Murphysboro, and said she has worked there for 11 years. It is a job that shows a darker, sadder side of humanity, but she said she has seen a lot of success stories, too.

“A lot of people come back five or 10 years later and say that the animal they got here is the best they’ve ever had,” she said.

Still, for the animals that have not yet found a home, the help of volunteers can be beneficial.

“The staff doesn’t always have time to give each individual animal the attention they need,” she said.

She said there are between 70 and 100 animals at the shelter at any given time.
That is where the volunteer program comes in.

Mullins said the shelter has roughly 50 volunteers, but since there is no set schedule, there can be anywhere from none to more than 10 at the shelter at a given time.

Kelsey Pugh, a junior from Cleveland studying automotive technology, said she volunteered at the shelter this week for the first time. She stopped by because it was a nice day, she said, and registered as a volunteer before spending time walking and playing with several dogs.

“I don’t have a dog and I’ve always wanted one, so it’s nice to play with them,” she said. “They always seem to enjoy it.”

Pugh, along with her friend Angie Kuhlmann, a senior from Peoria studying marketing, stopped by the shelter on a whim. Kuhlmann said she had been here before for a philanthropy event, but was glad for the chance to come again.

She said there are benefits for dogs and people alike. The animals get an opportunity for attention and the chance to play, she said, and people can find a way to take their minds off class or a bad day.

“Coming out here relieves a bunch of stress,” she said.

According to many studies, having a pet can extend a person’s lifetime, said Anne Corbin.

Corbin, an SIUC graduate from Carbondale, said she has been spending time at animal shelters since she was 9 years old. She said visiting the shelter while she was in college gave her volunteer hours for her résumé, but her reason for coming was the animals.

“It’s so obvious when you walk in here that they all want love and affection,” she said. “As much as I’m willing to give love to these guys, they’re willing to give it right back.”

To volunteer at the shelter, individuals have to go over a set of guidelines and fill out a registration form, Mullins said. She said the shelter sees many college students who volunteer to pet cats or walk dogs.

“It’s the next best thing for students who miss their own pets,” she said.

For people who want to help but may not have the time to spend with animals, the Humane Society has a wish list of items always needed, such as paper towels, dog and cat toys and Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner.

For those who do take the time to spend with animals, though, there are real benefits, Mullins said.

“If they want unconditional love, I think a pet would be the greatest thing for them to be with,” she said.

Genna Ord can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275