There will be an orientation for prospective volunteers for the Monroe County Friends of Animals at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Monroe County Animal Shelter at 170 Kefauver Lane, Madisonville (behind Wal-Mart). If you have ever considered volunteering for this worthwhile organization, please come.

If you love animals and have some time to give, you will have the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the program and where you would best fit in.  Some of your choices are to work at the shelter with the cats and kittens, walk the dogs, promote socializing or bathe animals which is always done when they are admitted and whenever they need bathing. 

If you would like to become a foster, you can be part of a network of dedicated volunteers who care for puppies for a two-week period before they are transported to shelters in the north where adoptive homes are waiting.  If you have clerical skills and would rather work at the desk greeting adopters or taking in stray and surrendered animals you would be welcome and there is always paper and computer work that needs to be done.

Much of the work at the shelter depends upon donations and MCFA's fundraisers are always looking for helpers and great ideas.  Volunteers are also needed to transport animals to area rescue groups and to take the shelter animals to adopt-a-thons and show them off to the public.  Of course there is always a need for good photographers and those with artistic talent to work on posters and publicity.
MCFA is looking for people who are 18 years old, serious about making a commitment to the animals and who can work at least eight hours a month. If this sounds like something you would like to do or you would like to learn more, you can attend the orientation at the shelter. Thereafter, volunteer orientations will be held at the same time and place on the second Saturday of each month.

If you would like to make a donation, the Monroe County Animal shelter is in need of Pedigree Puppy Food and financial donations can be made to sponsor a puppy for the rolling rescue or to the general fund at MCFA, P.O. Box 106, Vonore, TN 37885.