A huge shout-out to the Clatsop County Animal Shelter! Working at an animal shelter must be both incredibly rewarding and emotionally challenging. Every day, staff and volunteers care for so many innocent creatures. Most are there because of human action (or inaction).

Despite the heartache, the Clatsop County Animal Shelter provides an essential service to our community. Each time I visit, I’m inspired by the dedication of the volunteers I see walking dogs along the road, and by the impressive cleanliness of the facility — a feat that’s no small task, given the constant demands of the animals in their care.

Recently, my wife and I volunteered to foster puppies from a litter of 11! We’re caring for two of them, while others in the community have taken in pairs or small groups. If you’re considering bringing a puppy into your family, fostering might be a perfect option.

It’s a fantastic way to support the shelter, help animals in need, and give your family a chance to experience the joys of pet ownership. Fostering is a safe way to find out if your child actually will take care of a pet, and walk them every day!

Who knows? You might just discover your next best friend in the process!

THADDEUS FICKEL
Astoria