(no subject)
I've been looking up some adoption information on the internet, out of curiousity after J and I had the inevitable "we could always adopt" conversation most couples who have difficulty conceiving must have at some point. I was looking at some international adoption sites; it's astounding how expensive it all is. Realistically, I can't see us ever having upwards of $20,000 to spend on adopting a child.
Some of the descriptions, perhaps unintentionally, are quite heartbreaking, such as the ones that refer offhandedly to the times when the orphanage loses power or water. One particular site obviously dressed up some of the kids for their adoption pictures, and the sight of them all dressed up with hopeful smiles on their faces was almost unbearable. According to one website, there are a number of babies and toddlers becoming available for adoption in Eastern Europe, but as I say, I can't see us ever having the money to pursue something like that.
This morning I did something that was within my reach; I went out and volunteered at the local animal shelter. Before we moved out of the city, I tried to volunteer at the animal shelter where I adopted T and C, and the shelter director said he didn't need me because he had enough people who came in to help out. He even dismissively referred to volunteers who wanted to come in and cuddle the cats, but said I could fundraise if I wanted to, etc. So I expected that the local shelter might also have a lot of people and not need another, though I decided to take a chance. I found out that, actually, there are very few volunteers out here, and the shelter manager seemed thrilled that I had come by and was willing to stay for a couple of hours and help out. In fact, she even said it would be helpful if I could come by and give the animals some attention, so that shows exactly how different the volunteer situation is out here. I changed the litters in the cat room and mopped it out for her, and helped her with the dogs. I'll go back tomorrow for a couple of hours too, but I can't give anymore than probably a couple of mornings a week due to my other (paid) projects. Still, I'll feel good for doing something. There are some very beautiful animals there; from what the shelter manager said, she has success with adoptions, so I'm hoping this will be a positive experience on the whole. I was always reluctant to volunteer before because I thought it would be too hard on me emotionally. I am willing to give this a try, though.
Let's hope I don't fuck up and lose all the dogs or something. That would be typical.
Some of the descriptions, perhaps unintentionally, are quite heartbreaking, such as the ones that refer offhandedly to the times when the orphanage loses power or water. One particular site obviously dressed up some of the kids for their adoption pictures, and the sight of them all dressed up with hopeful smiles on their faces was almost unbearable. According to one website, there are a number of babies and toddlers becoming available for adoption in Eastern Europe, but as I say, I can't see us ever having the money to pursue something like that.
This morning I did something that was within my reach; I went out and volunteered at the local animal shelter. Before we moved out of the city, I tried to volunteer at the animal shelter where I adopted T and C, and the shelter director said he didn't need me because he had enough people who came in to help out. He even dismissively referred to volunteers who wanted to come in and cuddle the cats, but said I could fundraise if I wanted to, etc. So I expected that the local shelter might also have a lot of people and not need another, though I decided to take a chance. I found out that, actually, there are very few volunteers out here, and the shelter manager seemed thrilled that I had come by and was willing to stay for a couple of hours and help out. In fact, she even said it would be helpful if I could come by and give the animals some attention, so that shows exactly how different the volunteer situation is out here. I changed the litters in the cat room and mopped it out for her, and helped her with the dogs. I'll go back tomorrow for a couple of hours too, but I can't give anymore than probably a couple of mornings a week due to my other (paid) projects. Still, I'll feel good for doing something. There are some very beautiful animals there; from what the shelter manager said, she has success with adoptions, so I'm hoping this will be a positive experience on the whole. I was always reluctant to volunteer before because I thought it would be too hard on me emotionally. I am willing to give this a try, though.
Let's hope I don't fuck up and lose all the dogs or something. That would be typical.