Sophomore gives back to the community

Amelia Mcgregor volunteers at animal shelters

Used+with+permission+from+Amelia+Mcgregor

Used with permission from Amelia Mcgregor

Gillian Kapinos

Starting out as a trip to visit the animals at the Humane Society, sophomore Amelia Mcgregor became inspired to help. Mcgregor said volunteering and helping the community brings her joy.

“(Volunteering) really does make me happy. At the end of the day once you’re done helping out, it’s good to know that you could’ve helped an animal in need get adopted,” Mcgregor said.

According to sophomore and friend of Mcgregor, Emelia Koehler, she is definitely doing something worthwhile that will help the community. 

“It’s bringing her joy, and it’s bringing the (animals) she works with joy. And that’s all that really matters,” Koehler said.

Mcgregor said that caring for the animals and making sure they feel their best is really good for their well-being.

“We bathe them, we take them on walks, we play with them and we let them meet some of the visitors to see if they want to adopt,” Mcgregor said. “We mostly make sure they don’t feel lonely.” 

Sophomore and friend, Erica Franklin, said it’s nice for Mcgregor to have something to do that also gives back to the animals.

“It’s really awesome that Amelia is volunteering at the Humane Society because it’s helping out the community, and it’s a great way for her to spend her time,” Franklin said.

It’s really important to spread awareness and help out in animal shelters because you could be helping an animal be adopted and potentially saving their lives

— Amelia Mcgregor

Mcgregor said that the older animals need the most help and more adoptions, as they don’t get as much attention from visitors.

“The older that the animal gets the less likely it’s going to be adopted because adopters usually want younger animals, even babies,” Mcgregor said. “If the animal ends up getting old enough they could even put it down, so it’s really important you adopt.”

Koehler said overall Mcgregor is an amazing person and her volunteering proves it.

“I would describe Amelia as a very kind and caring person, she has a very big heart and she cares for almost everyone she meets,” Koehler said.

According to Franklin, giving back is a good thing especially when it involves helping animals.

“(Volunteering is) super important, it can really help out the animals, and anyone should if they have the time to do so,” Franklin said.

Mcgregor said everyone should get involved in their community somehow and volunteering is a great way.

“It’s really important to spread awareness and help out in animal shelters because you could be helping an animal be adopted and potentially saving their lives” Mcgregor said.

To volunteer at the Humane Society or adopt, click here.