Karis and Haris

Today, as I walked into the animal shelter, I was expecting the usual: a routine day of cleaning the cages, giving the volunteers dogs to walk, feeding them, and maybe giving a few pets to some of my favourite dogs, although this day was different, as my heart melted away the moment I saw the new puppies...

As I was finishing my usual work, I noticed something small, furry, and incredibly adorable in the cage placed in the meadow by the shelter, and because I've already got my part of the workload done, I decided to come meet those small, floppy-eared pupies.

A photo of the shelter puppies, Karis and Haris

I kneeled down, and before I knew it, those little puppies—wwhom I later learnt were named Haris and Karis —were standing on two feet and clunging their little paws to try and climb out the fence. In that moment, surrounded by their playful energy, I realised how much love and joy these wronged by fate animals give have and give away to anyone around them.

It’s easy to get caught up in the routine tasks at the shelter, but moments like this remind me why I volunteer, as it is not just about helping animals, but being reminded to sometimes slow down, be present, and really appreciate moments like these in life.