Helping in the Heat-- Volunteers Spruce Up SPCA

Plains Township, Luzerne County-- Volunteers with the United Way's annual Day of Caring are helping out in the heat at the Luzerne County SPCA.

The first step-- for animals and assistants alike-- is keeping cool on this second day of temps in the mid-90's.

We've been telling you to avoid working hard during the hottest part of the day-- and that's exactly what these helpers were hoping to do.

But even as early as 9AM, the summer scorcher had already begun to take effect.

Volunteer Beverly Chorey adopted a shelter pet three years ago, so when it came time to help out with this year's Day of Caring, she knew exactly what she wanted to do.

Chorey, of Larksville, said, "I'm just thrilled to be able to help them here. It means a lot to know people are getting more knowledgeable about adoptions."

Workers here pulled weeds from the pet cemetery, moved wheelbarrows full of dirt, even planted some new flowers, and more.

Shelter manager Cindy Starke noted, "We are able to accomplish some things through volunteers that we wouldn't ordinarily be able to accomplish. It makes the shelter nicer-- makes it nicer for the animals, makes it nicer for the customers, and the people."

And while the pets here at the Luzerne County SPCA enjoy air-conditioned kennels, experts say-- even without that luxury-- there is plenty you can do to help your pets beat the heat at home.

SPCA officials advise-- when it comes to keeping your pets cool-- just think of what you would do for yourself.

Starke explained, "You need a good supply of water. You need shade, make sure that your pet has shade. If it's at all possible, during the heat of the day, bring your pet in. It's so much easier on them, and it's especially important for older animals."

That advice was followed closely by the United Way volunteers here working to improve the SPCA grounds one small act at a time.

Chorey added, "We're going to look for all the shady spots to work in first. And we'll take frequent breaks. We'll go in and out of the building in the air-conditioning. They're supplying us with lots of water. So, we'll do what we can!"

In addition to the volunteers at the SPCA, hundreds more headed out to other venues throughout the Wyoming Valley for the United Way Day of Caring.