ANSBACH, Germany (Feb. 10, 2015) -- Ansbach BOSS, the U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach chapter of Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, had been on the lookout for a chance to conduct a service project in combination with their community relations efforts.
They found it at the Tierheim Ansbach, the local animal shelter.
Tierheim Ansbach, a non-profit organization run mostly by volunteers, gives pets that were given up or were abandoned by their owners a temporary safe place until they find a new owner. On occasion, if an animal is too old or fragile to be re-homed, they find care in the shelter until they pass. The volunteers who help out at the shelter do almost everything from walking dogs, cleaning cages, petting the cats and other small pets, to renovating the premises or organizing the annual holiday bazaar. The few paid employees would not be able to give all the animals the attention they need without the help of volunteers.
The BOSS Soldiers from Ansbach went to the shelter on Saturday and conducted basic volunteer tasks.
"The main thing we did was showing the animals love and attention, which is what they crave for since they have arrived at the shelter," said Sgt. Dalal Ogla, Ansbach BOSS president. "This was also very beneficial for the Soldiers, as it got them to leave the barracks and gave them something productive and uplifting to do. Some of them actually put other social plans they had the night before on hold in order to be ready for the pets early in the morning."
Some of the Soldiers participating in the visit reminisced about having to leave their pets in the United States and were glad to be able to get some quality pet time in.
"Single Soldiers who live in the barracks are not able to keep pets; so, for them, this is a great way to connect with animals and give back to the community at the same time," said Ogla.
Ansbach BOSS plans to continue service projects on a regular basis; single Soldiers looking to participate service projects can contact BOSS at 09802-83 2929 (DSN 467-2929) or visit the Ansbach BOSS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ansbachboss.
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