Helping Hands for Paws and Parks

Helping Hands for Paws

A deaf boxer and a blind poodle are among the dogs Animal Services Volunteer Rescue Coordinator Judy Elliott has helped. An empty-nester, she looked for ways to give back to the community. Elliott learned Animal Services needed volunteers through her son-in-law, who helped walk dogs at the shelter.

With budget cuts in the county decreasing personnel, Elliott started helping a special group of animals at the shelter. She connects animal rescue organization with special needs animals. The pets cannot be adopted through Animal Services' regular programs, because of medical issues.

"It's so rewarding. I can't put a dollar figure on it. It's such a rewarding feeling helping the animals," Elliott said.

Interested in helping at Animal Services?  Dog walkers are always needed. On some Saturdays adoptable animals are brought to the PetSmart in Largo.

New programs to help animals and their people are forming. A new senior to senior program will connect senior citizens with senior animals in need of homes. A new training program will help "tougher" breeds get and stay adopted. 

Helping Parks

Monica Craig, 17, and her family started picking up trash a few years ago at Fort DeSoto. Then the Northeast High School student saw a newspaper article about the need for volunteers so she signed up.

Through the executive internship program she helps inside at the park offices and outside with trash pickup and first aid. The high school senior plans to study environmental or marine science in college next year. She enjoys helping and interacting with the park rangers.

"I know they need the help. I love Fort DeSoto. It's got everything- the woodsy areas, the beach, picnic areas, and campgrounds..I would love to be a park supervisor or park ranger," Craig said.

Check the county Web site for park volunteer opportunities or through Friends of Fort DeSoto.

Ways to Volunteer in Pinellas

The county depends on volunteers to make it a better place for residents and visitors. Prospective volunteers can browse opportunities by interest or location. Some places in the St. Petersburg area include: Weedon Island Preserve, the St. Petersburg Judicial Building, Skyway Branch Tax Collector and Human Services in St. Petersburg.

Volunteers can help on a regular basis- the county has daily, weekly and monthly opportunities. Current opportunities include: greeter, dog walker, receptionist, photographer, web designer, hike guide, hair stylist, delivery driver, shop assistant, and painter.

Volunteers can help just for a special event. Current opportunities include: pet adoption days, fall jubilee at Heritage Village, beach cleanups, and tree maintenance.

Some positions require background checks. Every volunteer that is asked to attend an orientation will be required to complete a background check and then is fingerprinted and photographed for an identification card during the orientation process.

Volunteering is a rewarding experience for most people receiving satisfaction just by helping others. The county does offer perks such as special access at the Wellness Center in downtown Clearwater and the option of membership to the Pinellas County Federal Credit Union.