Passages 2 Proposal

MaxFund No-Kill Shelter

Volunteer
Lindsey Marie Connolly
2016

Introduction-
MaxFund is an animal shelter located in the Baker Neighborhood of Denver. What makes
this shelter unique is that it is a No-Kill shelter. As many dogs and cats are taken in as possible,
which means the shelter always needs extra help. I have been a volunteer for 5 or more years at
this shelter, and I have watched it grow. I will now have more time to devote to volunteering at
the shelter, and the ability to do it on my own, regardless of anyone else's schedule but the
shelters. My main goals are to socialize the dogs and cats of all ages. This will be done by
playing with them, and walking the dogs. I would hope to raise awareness by doing to things.
Firstly, I hope to assist in spreading awareness about the shelter and the animals up for adoption
there, through a blog or Facebook page. I also hope to assist in organizing their annual Lucky
Mutt Strut which is coming up this summer. It is a combination of an adoption fair for the dogs
and cats at MaxFund as well as an organized walk for charity. People are aloud to bring their
dogs to participate in the walk to raise money, as well as see if their dog is a good match with a
potential adoptee. This can be a way to enter and observe the "culture" and behaviors of dogs and
cats that are recognized while training and socializing them. I will observe the characteristics of a
dog or cats interaction habits when training or socializing them with other people and (possibly
other dogs).

GPS Domains Connection

Domain Connection

Investigating I will be investigating dog (and possibly cat) behavior, and response to
the World socialization. As well as the experience of a volunteer at MaxFund and an
animal shelter in general.

Communicatin I will be putting my best efforts and ideas into my time volunteering at
g Ideas MaxFund. I will be also recording and documenting my experience through
pictures, and daily journals which will include observations.

Take Action MaxFund is a great example of taking action. Volunteering here has an
active role, and even every small contribution makes a difference.(walking
dogs, socializing animals, cleaning cages etc.) Organizing and/or assisting
in the Lucky Mutt Strut is also a very active role that will definitely make a
difference in many animals and people's lives.

Recognizing I will be taking into consideration the ideas of the staff and more
Perspectives experienced volunteers while I am volunteering here. I will also follow the
"teachings" rules and procedures.
 Learning Objectives
I plan to learn about...
1. How to become a successful volunteer
2.
1. How to handle different dogs (size, temperament etc.)
2.
1. Interaction with other volunteers and staff
2.
1. How to set up a successful blog, web or Facebook page.
2.
1. How to organize and assist with an event (such as Lucky Mutt Strut)
2.
1. How to assist people with fostering and adopting dogs as well as
potentially looking at the process of me fostering a dog.
2.
1. The rules and regulations regarding a dogs interaction with outside dogs
and people (say on a walk)
2.

Timeline(subject to change)
Idea to first volunteer in 2009
Complete sign up/ orientation 2009
Regular volunteering
Regular volunteering
Regular volunteering
Regular volunteering
Took a longer break from volunteering (busy)
Thanksgiving 2013 started back up (saw new puppies) insert picture in evidence
Took a longer break (buy)
Picked volunteering back up March 2016 (passages and extra time were the underlying reason)
st
Walked 3 dogs on March 1 2016
nd
March 2 2016~
Get waiver signed to volunteer alone
Set up retake volunteer badge photo (hopefully)
Walk 1+ dog(s)
Possibly check out cat facility
nd rd
Within the dates March 2 to 3 ~
Set up blog and/ or Facebook page
Start journal
Start Photos (may need approval)

Preparations
Support from committee members
General support
Guidance from more experienced volunteers and staff
Resources (internet, time etc)
Open mind
Patience
Tolerance(for all animals regardless of their reaction to me that day)
Personal discipline
Device to take pictures (phone/ camera etc.)
Possible transportation ( it is walking distance so I should be fine, may need ride if it is extreme
weather)