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MIKE DEAL \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n
Tim Campbell with two-year-old Moira Rose at the Winnipeg Humane Society.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the summer, I\u2019m there two mornings a week, and when the weather turns a little colder, I\u2019m there anywhere from three to four mornings, depending on what\u2019s going on,\u201d Campbell, 59, explains.<\/p>\n
The Canine Contentment Volunteer\u2019s (CCV) shifts are most often spent caring for the dogs in the holding area in the back of the building.<\/p>\n
Essentially, I get to play with dogs,\u201d he says with a laugh. \u201cI take them outside to do their business and hang out with them, take them for walks \u2026 I also monitor the dogs and take notes to provide feedback to the behaviour department in case of any behavioural issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
The number of dogs he cares for can vary from shift to shift. Sometimes there can be a dozen puppies needing attention and play. At other times there\u2019s up to 25 dogs, some of which are strays, rescues and surrenders, awaiting assessment before being deemed suitable to be moved on to the adoption area, while others are pets awaiting veterinary procedures or recovering after an operation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere could be a dog that could come in for a short time, maybe four days and then it could go back to the owner,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
But there are also dogs there that remain in the holding area for much longer than anyone on the team would like.<\/p>\n
Campbell\u2019s job is to make sure the animals do not experience feelings of stress. High noise levels, unfamiliar smells and past trauma can cause dogs in the holding area to display signs of depression or stress responses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want them to have as little stress as possible. We want to have them meeting people, playing as much as they can because animals love to play. We want to get them out for a long walk or run, get them bouncing and jumping.\u201d<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s not all fun and games. The work routinely brings volunteers into contact with animals recovering from physical injuries and neglect. It\u2019s one of the more challenging aspects of his role.<\/p>\n
Volunteer opportunities<\/p>\n
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to wfp.to\/volunteers or call 204-477-5180.<\/p>\n
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The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to wfp.to\/volunteers or call 204-477-5180.<\/p>\n
Boo at the Zoo is BACK! BATZ runs from Oct. 2-31 at Assiniboine Park Zoo. The event relies on volunteers to help visitors enjoy an extraordinary experience at Boo at the Zoo. Must be 18 years of age or older. Go online at http:\/\/wfp.to\/iR1 for more information and application. Deadline is Oct. 18.<\/p>\n
The Manitoba Writers\u2019 Guild seeks an enthusiastic volunteer to act as bookkeeper. Full cycle bookkeeping experience required. Knowledge of QuickBooks Online and experience accounting for a non-profit would be an asset. Interested candidates are invited to apply to MWGchair@gmail.com by Sept. 30.<\/p>\n
Rock the River Festival is seeking a financial and controls lead to play a key role in overseeing the financial planning, tracking, and reporting for the organization or event. This volunteer position ensures that all financial processes are transparent, accurate, and aligned with the non-profit\u2019s mission and regulatory obligations. The role is ideal for someone with a background in finance, accounting, or bookkeeping who is passionate about community involvement and responsible stewardship. To find out more and to apply, email: director@rocktheriver.ca. Deadline is Sept. 30.<\/p>\n
Are you passionate about fitness? Com-Span Inc. needs volunteers to either lead or support activities such as stretching, chair exercises, aerobics, walking, and dancing. The focus will be on adapting movements to accommodate each individual\u2019s physical and cognitive abilities while promoting an inclusive environment. Volunteers will work with staff to tailor activities to individual needs. The hours are very flexible. Daytime availability is appreciated. Apply by email: admin@comspan.org. Deadline is Sept. 30.<\/p>\n
St.Amant is seeking a PALS volunteer that enjoys spending time outdoors, chatting about big ideas, or just hanging out in a relaxed, informal way. PALS stands for Partnership through Activities, Learning, and Sharing. It\u2019s a one-to-one volunteer opportunity designed to build meaningful connections between the people supported by St.Amant and volunteers. The PAL would need to have criminal and child abuse registry checks (costs reimbursed). Whether it\u2019s going for a bike ride, enjoying music, a friendly game on the court or simply sharing quiet moments, your presence and mentorship could mean a lot. Apply by email: volunteer@stamant.ca. Deadline is Jan. 8, 2027.<\/p>\n
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg would love to have you as a mentor for in-school mentoring! The in-school mentoring program provides youth with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up within school grounds. For one hour a week during school hours (with a minimum one year commitment), mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hang out on school grounds. Youth are enrolled through a referral from school staff. Apply online:http:\/\/wfp.to\/iRD or by phone: 204-988-9200. Deadline is Dec. 31.<\/p>\n
Culture Days Manitoba is looking for volunteers for Nuit Blanche, working with attendees, artists and arts organizations during the evening celebration of art. One Saturday night each fall (Sat., Sept. 26) thousands of art enthusiasts, cultural animators and citizens of Winnipeg gather downtown to celebrate and explore contemporary art. You must be free on this day in the evening after 5:30 p.m. Event runs until midnight. Shifts will only be four hours. Learn more at: http:\/\/wfp.to\/iRs, apply at http:\/\/wfp.to\/iRK. Deadline is Sept. 20.<\/p>\n
The annual CIBC Run for the Cure is back and is seeking volunteers to join its Winnipeg team and help support Canadians impacted by breast cancer. Applicants can sign up by visiting http:\/\/wfp.to\/iRf and filtering the city to Winnipeg and the event to CIBC Run for the Cure to find volunteer roles by the Sept.30 closing date.<\/p>\n
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Apply at wfp.to\/0pE, volunteer@redcross.ca or 1-844-818-2155.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWhen I first started that was a bit of a tough one, but if you think about it, we\u2019re doing good for the animal, we\u2019re taking care of it if it needs an operation, if it needs some help. And dogs are very, very resilient,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Another challenge is encountering nervous canines who can\u2019t seem to settle. It\u2019s best to take one\u2019s time with jumpy dogs, Campbell says pointing out that volunteers are trained by staff on how to deal with tense and panicky animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re scared, they\u2019re stressed, they\u2019re alarm barking at you then you don\u2019t want to jump in and greet the animal too quickly. You\u2019ve got to take your time, you\u2019ve got to let the animal get you know first. As long as you deal with it properly, then the dog will be your best buddy,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Most of the time treats can entice a scared or nervous dog to approach you, but sometimes even the yummiest liver stick or stinkiest pig\u2019s ear might not be enough if a dog has shut itself off from any kind of interaction.<\/p>\n
When Campbell encounters a pup that won\u2019t respond to anything, he tries to stay on after his shift ends if only just to sit outside the dog run with some gentle music playing in the background.<\/p>\n
\n\t\tWinnipeg Free Press | Newsletter\n\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\tDish<\/p>\n
Every Second Friday<\/p>\n
The latest on food and drink in Winnipeg and beyond from arts writers Ben Sigurdson and AV Kitching.<\/p>\n
\t\t\tSign up for Dish<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t \u201cFor me it\u2019s all about respecting the dog\u2019s space. You\u2019re not trying to pressure it to go outside, you\u2019re there to let it get used to you. It\u2019s amazing what happens from one day to the next, because when you go back the dog remembers, it knows you\u2019re a good person who is there for good reasons and it will approach you,\u201d he shares.<\/p>\n The work is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding but Campbell relishes every moment. Walking into a room and seeing a dog\u2019s mood swiftly change is the best thing about his role, he says.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is nothing better than having a dog that wants to be around you, that wants to play, cuddle and give you kisses \u2026 it\u2019s a very rewarding part of volunteering here. I find if I\u2019m with an animal, a dog, a horse, whatever, the stress level just drops. You\u2019re just in your happy place. And the animals need us. We\u2019re here to look after them. We\u2019re here to care for them,\u201d he says, adding that when he first started at the WHS his wife was worried he was going to come back home with a handful of dogs.<\/p>\n \u201cMy wife was a little bit nervous, she was worried because I love dogs so much. Oh man, it\u2019s hard not get attached to these dogs\u2026 I would say out of 10 dogs, nine of them I\u2019ll get attached to. Maybe 10 \u2026 maybe 10.\u201d<\/p>\n If you know a special volunteer, please contact AV.Kitching@freepress.mb.ca<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t AV Kitching AV Kitching is an arts and life writer at the Free Press. She has been a journalist for more than two decades and has worked across three continents writing about people, travel, food, and fashion. Read more about AV<\/a>.<\/p>\n Every piece of reporting AV produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print \u2014 part of the Free Press\u2018s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press\u2019s history and mandate<\/a>, and learn how our newsroom operates<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Reporter
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