When I first decided to volunteer for the Calgary Humane Society’s Dog Jog, I did so more because I wanted to support the animals than to step outside of my box. But when the list of volunteer roles became available, I started thinking that there might be an opportunity to do something different from the usual – something that would force me just a little outside of my comfort zone and get me more actively participating in an event that does so much for animal welfare – a cause to which I am quite devoted.
If I had volunteered for this event in the past, I’d have been – most likely – drawn to the registration area. It’s shaded – in a tent. There are chairs to sit on, and a to-do list, and a very easy way to support the organization without any degree of discomfort. For someone like myself - shy, introverted, awkward in situations that require me to talk with people I don’t know (especially when those people are in large numbers) - the registration tent would make it easier, because I’d have a very specific job to do. But that’s just it: it would be easy.
What would not be easy? Getting everyone riled up. Cheering them on as they started on the path, and then again when they reached the finish line. That would be outside the comfort zone!
I've already established that I'm introverted, so obviously, I'm not much of a cheerleader. Sure, I cheer on and support those close to me. But getting up in front of a crowd and making a fool of myself? Not so much. Yet, when I sent in my volunteering preference to work at the start/finish line, the Volunteer Coordinator was ecstatic! Apparently, she just knew I’d be great at this job. Maybe it’s my passion for the animals that hooked her. I can’t be sure. What I do know is, her enthusiasm was infectious. It helped, too, that my partner in crime would be someone I already know – a person far more outgoing and cheerleader-ish than myself (her name is Jessie, for future reference).
On the day of the event, I was expecting to be parked at the start line to take everyone through some sort of warm up session before they began. Boy was I wrong! I attended a high level orientation, and then Jessie and I were given our instructions: move through the crowd, pass out promotional items, and get people excited for the event. Then, at the proper time, we were to take signs to the start/finish line to guide people to the path … and away we go!
It took me awhile to get warmed up, even with Jessie’s help. But once I got over the initial “oh gawd, it’s a stranger and I have to talk to them!” moment, I found my voice and nature sort of took over. What was there to be afraid of, really? People were there with their dogs. Cute, furry bundles of energy! Who cares about making small talk when a dog is around? We already had something in common! All I had to do was bend down, compliment the adorable dog, ask its name, pet its head, and offer a doggy pedometer or poo bag. Voila! Instant conversation!
The people were excited to get their promotional items. The dogs were excited to get the attention. I was excited to pet, visit, and admire hundreds of dogs – something I don’t have an opportunity to do every day.
Fast forward to the start line. When Jessie and I parked ourselves at our “station” – which was really just a patch of grass where we held up big “START” signs – we became the most popular people at the event. Instant fame! Everyone wanted a picture with us and their dogs. We didn’t have to get anyone riled up, because they were already excited! They’d been through a warm-up and their dogs were ready to go. The best part was watching those little bums wiggle and shake as they took off down the path. And yes, I am referring to the dogs.
 |
| My favourite dog at the CHS Dog Jog: Figo (my fur nephew) |
By the end of the event – which for me lasted a good five hours – I was exhausted. But I was also happy. Not just because I’d stepped outside my comfort zone, but also because I’d found it much easier than I expected. And have I mentioned all the dogs? Dogs! DOGS! How could socializing with dogs be difficult?!
What did I learn from this experience? Well … as it turns out, schmoozing at a dog-focused event really isn’t schmoozing at all; it’s meeting friendly critters. The people just hold the leash. Who cares about them, anyway? Ha ha, just kidding.
In all seriousness, I learned that when you embrace a “job” in support of a cause that means something to you, there really isn’t much that is “out of the box”. How can there be? The cause is the focus of your journey, and the job, whatever it is, is just a means to an end. I already knew from doing pet therapy that animals break down barriers, help establish human connections, and bring people out of their shells. I guess I never expected to be on the receiving end, but that’s exactly what happened. The dogs gave me strength. They gave me courage. They gave me something in common with hundreds of strangers. In the end, my “job” felt nothing like work. It was all fun … as it should be.
I know that stepping out of my box won’t be this easy every time, but I’m hopeful that as each experience comes up, I’ll discover new courage and enthusiasm for doing something new. Dogs or no dogs, cats or no cats, birds … you get the drift. Whatever the environment, whatever the result, at least I’ll be able to say, “I did it.”
Now … on to the next one. Woof!
