Service Learning Journal: Community

Amanda Tabar

DOS 771
 Community service is an effective means for ensuring selflessness and focus on

community betterment. It is necessary not just for graduate students, and through this program,

but to all residents who seek to better their coterie.

For my community service, I recently became a foster dog mom to my local animal

shelter, BARCS. It is something I have always wanted to do; I just never put forth the effort into

completing the necessary steps to do so until now. I filled out the documentation, watched a few

videos and PowerPoints, and arrived at BARCS to meet the staff in person and check out the

dogs eligible for foster care. Upon arrival, I was given a tour of the facility, and walked through

the (what felt like!) endless kennels with sad puppy eyes looking for a loving home. The

volunteer I was with told me I should write down the names of up to three dogs that I wanted to

meet outside of the kennel; and I chose to only look to foster the breeds highest at risk, such as

Pitbulls or other large bully breeds. I ended up writing down the names of three dogs, two

females and one male- two Pitbull mixes and one Rottweiler. 

I then went outside and waited until the volunteer assisting me brought the dogs one by

one out to meet me on a leash. The first one up was the two-year-old female Pitbull mix, Izzy,

who excitedly pulled to meet me. Once we met, she pushed her body up against my legs and

leaned in for a hug and kisses. She was hyper on the leash, but with a very happy and sweet

disposition. After I finished meeting with Izzy, the next dog was brought out to me. This one was

a four-year-old Rottweiler mix named Sandy. Sandy was calm on the leash and altogether

unenthusiastic to see me. She was sweet and easy-going, but much more interested in sniffing the

ground then saying hi. Finally, it was the final dogs turn to come out- a four-year-old Pitbull

male named Apex. Apex was big and brooding, and quite intimidating looking, but a sweet

gentle guy who also seemed relatively laid back. 

 Upon further discussion with the volunteer, and a tough decision- I decided to take home

Izzy as my foster. She needed the most work, as she was the youngest and most rambunctious,

but she had a sweet soul and seemed very treat driven and intelligent- I was hopeful these were

markers for an easy training.

I have now had Izzy as my foster dog for one month and she has done amazing. She has

learned commands such as shake, lie down, roll over and stay. We worked hard on leash training,

and what started as a dog that was unable to be walked due to pulling, is now a joy to walk. In

fact, she has gotten so good with her leash training that I now trust her enough to hook her leash

up to my bicycle and take her for a ride- which is her favorite thing to do.

As part of being a foster dog mom, I attend community events to promote dog fostering. These

events are held at my local PetSmart or Petco to get the dogs out of the kennel to meet

prospective families. I also have donated goods to the shelter: such as leashes, food, collars and

even a new large crate; and have helped take other dogs for a walk when I have free time.

Becoming a foster dog mom has definitely given me a great sense of accomplishment. I

feel a connection to my community through the shelter organization, and the events that I attend.

I am thrilled to have given Izzy a second shot at life and am very proud of her every time she

reaches a new milestone.