In 2008 I was looking for ways to volunteer in my community.  Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) was the answer.  It’s a non-profit that trains prison inmates to raise service dogs.  The dogs are then selected for work in law enforcement as an explosive detection canine, or as a companion dog for a war veteran with PTSD.  PBB needs volunteers to socialize the puppies.  So once a week I take out a puppy to run my errands.  When I started volunteering, I was single and thought it would be a great way to meet guys.  But I ended up meeting 11 year old boys.  Oh well.  I didn’t stop volunteering.

And I didn’t stop after embarrassing moments when puppies acted out or when a puppy pooped at the Shoprite.  I kept volunteering after a 65-pound puppy dragged me a few feet as I tried to hold him back from running into the road after a deer.

PBB helps people in so many ways – the inmates learn a skill and possibly unconditional love, some puppies sacrifice their olfactory system to prevent people from getting blown up, other puppies help soldiers who are serving our nation.  As a volunteer I meet incredible dog lovers and curiosity seekers.  And let’s not forget, puppies are adorable.