Pets · 30 min
Time with an animal, without owning one
If you cannot keep a pet, you can still walk someone else's dog, sit with a friend's cat or help at an animal shelter.
Not everyone can have an animal at home: rented homes, allergies, work hours, cost or health can all get in the way. Time with animals can still be part of your life, and the person whose animal you spend time with may be glad of the help.
The steps
Four small steps,in your own time.
Think of someone you know with an animal who might welcome help: someone older, someone busy, someone recovering from an illness.
Offer something specific: a walk on Saturday mornings, feeding their cat when they are away, a visit to sit with an older dog.
If you do not know anyone, look up animal shelters or rescue groups near you that welcome volunteers for walking, cleaning or spending time with the animals.
Keep it regular, so the animal and its person can count on you, and so it becomes part of your week.
The reason
Why it helps
Time with animals, even someone else's, can bring company, a reason to go out and a few calm minutes. Helping an owner who is struggling is a kindness to two at once. A regular commitment gives the week some shape.
A gentle variation
If your health or time is limited, offer one short visit first and see how it feels. If allergies are an issue, choose outdoor tasks such as dog walking.
WE · TRIBE
Try itwith someone.
Do it with a friend, a partner or a child, and share the walk. If you look after someone who misses having an animal, ask a friend with a calm animal to visit.
Try it today
This week, offer to walk or visit one animal belonging to someone you know.
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