|
Welcome
to the Animal Refuge Center!
 Volunteers are essential for running a shelter efficiently. One of the questions most frequently asked is, "How can I help?"
I know that it sounds crazy, but that question is actually a little scary. My co-workers and I stand there looking a little dumfounded because we are so wrapped up in the day to day running of ARC that it's difficult to think in a broader scope. Our small crew of animal caretakers are accustomed to taking care of every aspect of our shelter but, truth be told, it's very overwhelming. We spend 95% of our time just physically caring for our shelter inhabitants, so there isn't much time left for any of the other important projects such as fundraising, dog training, etc.
.  Volunteer Programs (Need 2-3 people to run each section efficiently)
Trap/Neuter Release Program
[Descriptions and volunteer responsibilities pending--this requires some sort of group organization in the community. Volunteers can meet and organize plans free of charge in our ARC phpBB Bulletin Board.
Humane Education
Volunteers collect informational brochures and materials and talk in local schools and civic community meetings such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.
Pet Therapy
GFWC/Radcliff Women's Club member Marilyn Williams (at left) has been doing pet therapy for the Animal Refuge Center and other organizations for twelve years. She visits Woodland Terrace Health Care Facility, Kensington Manor, Morningview Gardens, Atria Assisted Living and Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital with a dog, and North Hardin Health and Rehabilitation Center twice a month and occasionally with a cat. Ms. Williams does so much for our community, but she is only one person!
There are many other such facilities in Hardin County that would also benefit from caring and generous volunteers. Just make proper arrangements with the facility of your choice and with the Animal Refuge Center, set up a regular schedule and take a pet to accompany you on an outing to meet new friends! It is wonderfully beneficial for our pets as well for the socialization value, but we select pets for their easy-going temperament before sending them to therapy.
Dog Obedience Training
Statistically, the Number One reason why dogs are relinquished or returned to shelters after adoption is because of behavoral problems. Though obedience and behavior training are affordable for most, not all pet owners see the need to teach their dog basic manners. It comes as no surprise (to us) when the pet later takes control of the household in assorted ways and the family insists on "getting rid of it."
We at the Animal Refuge Center prefer to discourage hasty disposal of pets for bad behavior, because that only passes your problems on to someone else! Puppies need to learn basic manners at an early age, and if you get an older dog as a pet, behavior and obedience training are still highly recommended. Our dogs here at the shelter are trained in the basics, such as "sit" and "house" when they must go into their kennels for the night, but they will benefit enormously from specialized volunteers who can give them the training they will need to keep a special place in their new homes.
PR/Public Relations Contact/Fundraising
Animal caretakers
 This is one of the toughest jobs at the shelter, but also one of the most rewarding.
Lawn & grounds maintenance
Carpentry help
Arts and Crafts artisans
One fundraiser that is a lot of fun for our supporters is making and donating arts and crafts for us to sell at public events! Proceeds go to our spay/neuter fund and other programs that directly benefit our homeless pets. We have had SO many talented people donate crafts to our fundraisers over the years, and it's hard to believe you have time to make so many! We hope to offer some of the best crafts on our ARCShop website for this holiday season. If any craftspeople wish to be known for their work, please let us know.
How to use our website
Our new website has all our best links in one location
for easy navigation. Our site map at left is also an easy
navigator, and new links will be added site-wide at right
to keep us updated at all times.
The ARC finally has its own moderated chatroom!
Click on ARC Chat to apply for your own login and hook up
with other pet lovers.
Animal Refuge Center, Inc.
webmaster@animalrefugecenter.org
185 Basham Trail
Vine Grove, KY 40175
(270) 877-6064
|
Features!!! 
