Welcome to Gaia! ::

Dawn stretched, working the kinks out of her back before finishing up her cleaning work. She had nearly completed the task of cleaning the kennels. Once that was done she would be able to socialize with the dogs. For her that was the treat at the end of the work. To be able to play with all the puppies was just what she needed. Generally tidying the kennels while the dogs were all out in the various dog runs wasn’t very exhausting, at least not mentally, but sometimes the pups just left a mess. Those particular kennels needed more than just a wipe down. They needed a whole scrub. It took more time and muscle but nothing she couldn’t handle. Not really. But it did make her wonder just what that particular dog was going through to make that much of a mess.

“Ah well, nothing I can do about it.” She said quietly as she dragged the bag of soiled towels to the laundry cart. The rest of the tidying was quick, followed by her scrubbing up and changing her clothes. It really had been a godsend when someone suggested she bring in an extra pair of clothes just in case. On days like this, it really comes in handy. Her washer and dryer were not going to like her later but that would be a problem for later Dawn. The Dawn of right now happily made her way over to one of the fenced in yards with all the smaller, non-aggressive, dogs. “Coming in,” She called out a warning for the other person in the area before slipping through the fence door.

Her arrival was quickly announced by yapps and barks and just a mass of fur heading right for her. “Hey guys! How are you?” The strawberry blonde crouched down to start playing with the half dozen or so animals that were ranging all around her.

“Chase? You guys were playing chase? Without me? I’m hurt,” Dawn cooed at the pups. Mock hurt that they played their game without her. “I guess we'll just have to play it again now won't we.” She stood up and smiled at the other girl who was in there with her. She hadn’t really met her before, quite possibly saw her at a distance or in passing at some point but much to Dawn’s chagrin she couldn’t remember her name. If they had even met before. “Hi, I’m Dawn. One of the volunteers. I’ll run them around a touch if you want to catch your breath.” She wasn’t too sure if the other female had been the ones running around or not. Some people didn't, they just let the dogs run. Dawn wasn’t one of those people. She did understand why others didn’t do it though.

She proved this by turning her attention to the dogs and starting to chase, and be chased, around the enclosed space. Dawn laughed and yelled and just generally made ‘loud happy human noises’ until she was starting to pant and was thoroughly out of breath. With a sigh and an almost exaggerated slump the young woman collapsed onto one of the benches in the shade that some of the less rambunctious dogs had settled around. “Do, you, have,” She panted out, “Some, water?” Dawn was really regretting leaving her water bottle at home today.

Dawn gladly took the water and quickly finished it off. “Thanks. I should have gotten one but I just forgot.” She made a mental note to make sure her water bottle was always with her when she was going to go volunteer. She normally did but she had been running later then normal so obviously some things got left behind. Much to her annoyance.

After a moment of just breathing and cooling down the strawberry blonde was honestly able to nod and assure the other girl that she was perfectly fine. “A bit tired but otherwise just peachy. These little fellas seem always ready to play but yeah, tonight they will be out like a light.” She leaned over and scooped up one of the balls, quickly tossing it. Several pups gave chase but there were more who were just lazing about in the shade, also looking for a little rest from all the games. “That one,” She nodded at the dog that was just a puddle in Shelly’s lap, “Looks to be having the best time.”

She gave one of the dogs a good scratch behind the ear even as Dawn quietly wished she could adopt them all. Sadly she didn’t have the space, the time, or the money for it so volunteer work was the best she could do for now. “So what's your favorite part so far? Volunteering that is? I’ve got to admit it is super fun playing with the puppies but my secret indulgence is the cats. There is just something so magical having a cat choose you to sit on.” Dawn grinned at Shelly, curious as to what she would say. Everyone had their own favorites and Dawn definitely liked to learn more about all of her new friends, Shelly included.

“Oh they did? I knew about the snake, he is a sweetie, but I didn’t know someone surrendered guinea pigs.” Since she couldn’t volunteer every day she did miss when new animals arrived. “And yeah, giving them some time to settle before interacting is probably for the best.” Dawn just hoped the little guys weren't too stressed. She knew that was one of the bigger issues with surrendered animals. Stress just wasn’t good for them.

The young woman listened as Shelly explained her favorite part of volunteering. She remained silent and just threw the ball when the still energetic crowd brought it back to her. It wasn’t until Shelly called it silly that Dawn shook her head and vehemently denied it. “Not at all! Since I’m not an everyday volunteer I don’t really get to see that happen very often but I do know what you mean. Being able to see an animal learn to trust you and learn that you love them, regardless of their past, really is the best. It's a bit heartbreaking to see them at first but watching them open up again really is something special.” It wasn’t easy volunteering but it did have its perks. It really did.

“I just wish I could take them all home.” She sighed and scratched one of the dogs behind their ears. “Maybe one day right Daisy? One day.” The dog didn’t answer but it did lean against her while its tail thumped the ground each time she waged it.

“Oh... poor baby.” Dawn murmured quietly when Shelly mentioned the pup that she was now helping. “I would be happy to meet her,” she scratched the dog at her side behind her ear and also nodded when the other woman mentioned ‘returning the favor’. “It’s only polite afterall.” Her tone was calm and oddly sweet but the coldness behind them showed just how much she couldn’t stand people who hurt animals.

Before Dawn could say anything else the majority of the dogs in their run started to swarm the door to go inside, a quick glance at the clock showed that it was time for their dinner. With a chuckle the strawberry blonde climbed to her feet, she made her way over to Shelly and held a hand out to help her up. “They sure know what time dinner time is,” She giggled and added, “Like clockwork they are. Come on, let's get them their food before they riot.”