One day I lost my mind and enrolled with Animal Behavior College because I thought a piece of paper saying I was a dog trainer would be neat.

I have a severe anxiety disorder that means I won't ever actually be a professional dog trainer but I am determined to see this through.

I need some help though.

My assignment is to write a paper on "volunteering". The specifics ask that I include information about shelter statistics - how many animals are surrendered, how many are adopted out, how many are euthanised, etc. I think the point of my paper is supposed to be about how training dogs can help keep them in their original homes or if that fails, get them adopted out more quickly into new homes - but I'm not entirely sure.

So now that I've given you all that background you didn't really need, here is what I need help with!

First, I'm required to contact animal rescues and shelters to get those statistics. If you are involved with one, would you be able to help me?

And second, can you recommend a book that would have relevant information? My bookshelf is groaning under the weight of all my dog books, but I can't find one that has what I need. I don't actually need the info from the book, but the essay requires that I have at least one book source. (I feel like I'm in 9th grade again!)

Thanks!

~a very flustered and not-too-bright Lisa~

Take a look here for some statistics. They're old, though.

If you google "shelter & statistics" you'll get lots of hits. Many shelters publish their statistics.

I'm using statistics I find online (thanks for that link, it's great!) for writing the paper, but the assignment requires me to get in contact with actual humans from shelters/rescues - and document it. *panic* *flail*

ahhh...I see. So it sounds like you need to go to petfinder or something and get the names/numbers of a couple of local shelters.

Make a margarita. Drink a margarita. Wait for the margarita to give you courage, but not so long that it makes you dizzy...then dial, ask your questions and get off the phone. Make another margarita and enjoy as a reward for your work.

See, that's not so bad, right?

I'd bet that Sue Sternberg with Roundout Valley Shelter would be able to help you. She's got some great books and articles on shelter dogs, too.

No help here. I just wanted to say hi, it's nice to see you post again. I'm sure you'll do a great job on your paper.
I love your new siggy

Many of these people working at shelters are very nice and would be happy to help you! Truly, don't worry about asking. Also, the very best way to deal with any anxiety disorder is to do what bothers you most. Exposure exposure exposure!!! You can do it!!!!! Yes!

Thank you so much everybody!

I'm making some progress but...

is it too early to make myself a margarita?

I just purchased her book, "Successful Dog Adoption"... it's great! I don't know if it has what's needed since I haven't finished it yet, but it's a great book to have, anyway!

Oh, and this may help with your anxiety!

I am at vet tech at Town Lake Animal Center, which is the municipal animal shelter in Austin, TX. Anyway, there is a link on our website that includes a monthly pdf with our statistics!!! Here ya go -

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/health/animal_services_reports.htm