Sienna Saunders – Post #3 and Ongoing – Reflecting

Post #3 and Ongoing (e.g. meaning Post #4, Post #5, etc.) – Reflecting

1.) Where are you at? (e.g. what involvement have you had so far? Describe with examples)

• At the moment I have begun volunteering at BC SPCA on Thursdays from 4-6 every week. I have now had two Buddy/Training shifts where I have learned how things function and how to take care of the animals. When I have my shifts I use usually about 45 minutes to spend time with the animals. Because I have not completed the Cat or Dog Wellness Workshop I am working with the small animals. The small animal room is very fun and I am given the opportunity to play with guinea pigs, rabbits, bunnies, birds, gerbils and many more animals. In the second half of my shift is mostly cleaning and preparing the animal litter boxes and food for the morning.

2.) What are some successes that you have had? Provide specific examples.\

• I have already had many successes working at the BC SPCA. While working I have already begun to make connections with the animals and also am getting used to how everything works. I have already been signed up to take part in the next Cat Wellness Workshop and I am so excited to take the next step in my action.

3.) What are some challenges that you have faced? Have you been able to overcome them? If so, how? Provide specific examples. If not, can you problem-solve some ideas that might work for next time or if a similar situation arises? Again, provide specific examples.?

• During my last shift while working in the small animal room I left the room and when I came back the rabbit had escaped from its pen. I did close its pen but not the rabbit was able to open it. I quickly tried and tried to get the rabbit back into the pen and succeeded but next time in order to insure this does not happen again I will make extra sure that the pen is perfectly closed. In my last shift I also realized I did not have enough time to clean as I thought and I felt I was rushing towards the end of my shift. During my next shift I will ensure to begin cleaning ahead of time to avoid rushing.

4.) What are you doing next and why?

• Next I plan to keep completing my shifts every Thursday and also begin volunteering with the Hope For Freedom Society in their Wet Weather Mat program at nearby churches. The Wet Weather Mat program is a meal program that brings people together around healthy food. I did participate in this years ago, serving meals and preparing meals for the homeless. I am going to do this because I hope to also use my actions to help Global Goal: ZERO HUNGER and NO POVERTY. This action will help both these goals while providing an opportunity to make friends, build skills, combat social isolation and advocate for change.