Kibbles 'n Bits

This bird is getting kicked out of the nest. What do I mean by that exactly? Well, a couple months ago, my dad announced his retirement (my mom has been a full-time stay at home mom for the past 25 years or so...). So, where does the leave me? From the looks of it, I will be purchasing a duplex in the next upcoming months. That all being said, I've been trying my best to keep my finances more in check and not have as many "I'm only have two drinks" escapades.

Sober Ana: Sticks to the monthly budget, thinks twice about withdrawing money from the ATM, orders strictly Applebee's happy hour specials...

Drunk Ana:

Trying to avoid these escapades, I've been picking up more shifts at the local animal shelter. Being an avid animal lover, I find myself at times enjoying pets more than I do people. Because of my alternating (my buddies call it confusing) work schedule and with classes being in session, I'm more of an on-call volunteer. Since the shelter occasionally has projects that require a few extra hands, they send email requests for help. There isn't a regular, set schedule, so I can sign up for as many or as few of these requests as I'd like.

On Taco Tuesday, I got an e-mail from Dakin asking for help in the Pet Food Bank. Through the Pet Food Bank, Dakin delivers pet food bank deliveries through various local human service agencies. Sometimes, cat or dog food helps community members make ends meet, making it possible for them to keep the pet in the family. Since Dakin accepts unopened bags of dog and cat food, most donations are also from the community.

In order for these food donations to be delivered to local human service agencies, Dakin has Pet Food Bank Helpers fill one gallon bags with pet food donations. The bags are then labeled and secured for storage and delivery.

I wish I had kept track of how many pounds of dry food I prepared for delivery. Some of the donations included the Jumbo Bonus 44 pound bags like the one pictured below:

Walking out of Tuesday morning's arm day volunteer session, I smelled like Kibbles 'n Bits. That being said, volunteering just a little bit of your time during the day, week, month, or year, can have a huge impact on someone in need. Not only that, it can definitely shift your perspective and open your mind to what is truly important. In the grand scheme of things, I think I'll be okay if I miss a Taco Tuesday or a after 9pm Applebee's half-off appetizers special. Until next time steemit!