MUSKEGON, Mich. — An animal shelter in West Michigan had some items checked off their to-do list thanks to volunteers with the Michigan State Police (MSP).
About eight MSP volunteers worked with Pound Buddies in Muskegon on Tuesday to help out wherever needed.
Jan Jacobs, board president of Pound Buddies, said MSP reached out after shelter staff responded to a police scene to rescue animals. Some MSP members became interested in Pound Buddies, and wanted to see how they could help out.
The volunteers worked to fix up some outdoor kennels and fencing and got the kennels ready for winter. They also helped with other jobs, including cleaning and taking some dogs on a walk.
"You can imagine, taking care of dogs is a full time job for them, and so when we get some extra hands, we're so excited," Jacobs said. "And so they've really helped us get ready for the winter months coming up, and we're so appreciative of that."
The MSP volunteers are a part of the crime scene processing team—so helping animals and spending time with the shelter pets was a welcome change of pace.
"So it is, it is great to you know, see some happiness, and and dogs always bring everyone joy overall," said Jennifer Yhuas, secretary of the MSP forensic lab.
Yhuas said some of the volunteers were already beginning to plan another volunteering day at the shelter.
Pound Buddies is always looking for people to volunteer! You can sign up online to help with dog walking, maintenance or fostering.