Hello, sorry...I don't normally post on the "dog boards" much since I don't have a dog yet, but I just had to say that I admire all of you guys. Anyone involved in the welfare of animals...in whatever way serves them best be it volunteering in shelters, giving time, money, toys, food...etc, or transportation...it all makes a difference! I was curious too, how those of you that have to deal with the unpleasant aspects (putting animals down) handle. I've volunteered in a no-kill cat rescue, and it's been great. I've volunteered in a wildlife rehabilitation center and it's been great too. They have had to put animals down at the wildlife center due to extreeme cases of illness or injury...but not when I've actually been there...so I was a little removed from that aspect. They did show me the freezer where they kept the bodies though! This is to ensure that they are 'disposed' of properly. I think once a week or month (can't remember), someone comes and collects all the deceased.
I've also volunteered at a wolf education and research park in Indiana during my college years...and that was the best!!! But, the whole reason for my rambling (sorry about this!!!), is here in California in the techie field things are not doing so well. I've gotten a 40% paycut and more work, so I have been on the lookout on an off for quite some time for a new job...just in case. I've always wanted to work with animals, and I have this "pull" telling me that it's what I am meant to do. Hard to explain. Anyway, I was on the city of Sunnyvale, CA's website and there was an opening for an animal control officer! I applied. I tell you what, I read and re-read the description and requirements and all of that. There is a plethora of tests and interviews that I will have to go through if I even get chosen for the first round. I probably won't qualify, but hey...I figured it wouldn't hurt to put my application in! Along with the application was a questionaire with 3 questions I had to answer...and one was "how would you handle the more 'unpleasant' tasks of animal control'. It really got me to thinking. It's hard, but overall I think it would be a good position, because for every one that we would probably have to put down, there would be another we are saving. Has anyone worked in animal control?? Any advice on that subject??