Behind the Scenes at Missouri Pit Bull Rescue: Volunteering, Photography, and the Power of Giving Back
Volunteering at an animal rescue organization is a rewarding experience that not only changes the lives of the animals you help but also brings a sense of fulfillment to your own life. In this blog post, we’re diving into my Saturday morning routine at Missouri Pit Bull Rescue (MPR), a completely volunteer-run shelter in Kansas City, Missouri. Whether it’s taking professional photos of adoptable dogs or spending quality time with the pups, there’s more to volunteering than meets the eye.
A Morning at the Shelter: What It's Like Volunteering
Each week, I spend my Saturday mornings at Missouri Pit Bull Rescue, where I help with the hands-on work of caring for the dogs and contribute my novice photography skills to help them find their forever homes. My volunteer time is so good for my soul. It keeps me grounded, it relaxes me and it’s my “me time”.
The Importance of High-Quality Photos for Dog Adoption
One of the newer things I’ve started doing for MPR is taking professional photos of the dogs, especially the new arrivals. High-quality images are essential for rescue organizations because they help showcase the personality, size, and cuteness of the dogs, making them more appealing to potential adopters.
The shelter uses these photos on their website to give potential adopters a better idea of each dog's temperament and physical traits. Being able to capture the dogs' best sides is an essential part of helping them find their forever homes.
Creating a "Makeshift" Photography Studio at the Shelter
One challenge of shelter photography is the lack of a professional studio space. But I’ve learned to get creative, using everyday items to create an effective backdrop for my dog photo shoots. like moving our daybed in front of the window for good light, and picking a color sheet as a backdrop that makes the dogs color stand out!
Each dog’s personality and energy levels influence how I approache their photo shoot. Some dogs, like the calm and easygoing Kwan, require little effort, while others, like the energetic Mrs. Potato Head, need a bit more patience and creativity to capture their best angles.
Meet the Dogs: Their Stories and Personalities
My behind-the-scenes vlogs give you a closer look at the lovable personalities of the dogs at MPR. From the sweet and shy Steven to the playful and loving Mrs. Potato Head, each dog has a unique backstory and a chance for a fresh start.
Sonic: A playful pup with a lot of energy, Sonic is always ready for some love and attention.
Ginger: This affectionate girl loves cuddles and is a fan favorite for her sweet demeanor.
Mrs. Potato Head: A former breeding dog, Mrs. Potato Head was rescued after her owners failed to claim her. She’s a bit of a “potato” with an irresistibly sweet personality, and now, she’s ready to live a life full of love and joy, without the burden of motherhood.
Stephen: Shy but growing in confidence, Stephen is still learning to trust people but is making great progress every day.
Volunteering: It’s More Than Just Dog Care
Like all volunteers at MPR, I also help with the essential tasks of caring for the dogs, including cleaning kennels, feeding, and providing much-needed exercise and mental stimulation. It’s this kind of dedication that makes the rescue organization thrive, as it’s entirely run by volunteers. Even if you can't make it to the shelter to help physically, there are so many other ways you can contribute. We have social media teams, fundraising groups, grant writers, and even volunteers who help with maintenance. Whether you’re handy or a wordsmith, there’s always a place for you in the rescue world.
The Impact of Volunteering: Join The Cause!
The need for volunteers in the rescue community is urgent, and every bit of help counts. If animal welfare is important to you like it is to me, I implore you to find ways you can contribute, whether it’s through volunteering their time, donating resources, or spreading awareness about adoptable animals. The rescue world is struggling, and it can be overwhelming. But even though we can’t fix everything, we can do something. The dogs we save, the homes we help them find—that’s what matters. One step at a time.
Get Involved: How You Can Help
If this post has inspired you to get involved with your local rescue organization, here are some simple ways you can contribute:
Volunteer at the Shelter: Help with daily tasks like feeding, cleaning, and exercising the dogs.
Photography: Use your photography skills to help capture high-quality images of adoptable dogs.
Social Media and Marketing: Share adoptable dogs on social platforms to help raise awareness.
Fundraising and Grant Writing: Offer your skills to help raise money and secure grants for the shelter.
Maintenance: Help with repairs and improvements around the shelter.
Even small actions can have a big impact. Whether you volunteer at the shelter or help out behind the scenes, every effort counts.
Conclusion: Volunteer and Make a Difference
Volunteering at an animal rescue shelter is one of the most fulfilling ways you can give back to your community and make a tangible difference in the lives of animals. By helping shelters like Missouri Pit Bull Rescue, you’re not only giving these dogs a second chance but also enriching your own life.
If you’re interested in supporting animal rescue, find a local shelter near you and explore the many ways you can get involved. Whether it’s walking dogs, fostering, or donating your time or skills, every little bit helps. And who knows? You might just change a life—yours included.
Have you volunteered at a shelter before? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!