Over the last few years, I have explored other volunteer opportunities at OHS that don't just involve the dogs. Last year I signed up to help with parking at the new volunteer orientation that is held each month. I basically get there around 8am and set up cones to block off the parking lot with another volunteer. There are usually 40-50+ folks that show up to these sessions and this event lasts most of the day, so we block off the main parking lot so that it is open for potential adopters once the shelter opens. So we block off the parking lot, set up sandwich board signs with arrows directing new volunteers to the entrance, open the secured gate, then stand out near Columbia Boulevard in our orange vests waving orange and yellow flags, directing potential new volunteers to the designated parking area. It may not sound like fun to some, but I really enjoy it. Once orientation has started, we pack everything up and head back inside and catch the tail end of the morning presentation. One of the presenters always brings her dogs, so I of course I have to give them some love and treats before I walk through the dog pods. This last Sunday, I spot cleaned a few kennels and tossed a bunch of treats to some of the very good doggos shown below.

Rolland is a seven-year-old chonk that is playful and full of love. He's in foster and available for adoption. He does have some skin and ear issues that will require long term management. Look at that sweet face!

Monique is an active nine-year-old girl that loves to learn and loves to hang out with her people.

Einstein is almost one year old, kinda shy, but treat motivated. Has a history of escaping the yard and will need supervision when outside.

Zazu, a staff and volunteer favorite, is a four-year-old male playful pittie.

Valentine is a 3-month old female hound dog. She is currently in foster with some great folks and has the best big sister dog to learn from to help her grow into a great, confident dog.

Emmet is 6 years old and came to OHS through the Second Chance Program as part of the rescue effort to help shelters impacted by the LA wildfires.

This is Remi. It was a rainy day and she just wanted to stay in bed. Understandable! She's a chonk with lots of love to give. Same girl!

Coda is a 6-1/2 year old shepherd/husky mix. He loves to talk and snuggle.

I spent Sunday morning at OHS. I have been helping out with parking for volunteer orientations for almost a year. It entails setting up directional signs around the building that help folks find the right entrance, standing near Columbia Boulevard waving a bright orange and yellow flag and guiding new volunteers to the correct parking lot. It was raining Sunday morning, but it was just a light mist most of the time, so not too bad. After I finished with my parking duties, I headed inside to spend some time with the dogs. I walked around the pods, gave them treats or toys, cleaned up kennels that needed cleaning, and sat with a few of them in their kennels. It's one of my favorite things to do as a volunteer.

Be the ulti-mutt Valentine and make my heart soar by helping me raise funds for a paw-some cause!