June 4, 2015 (by Angela)

Volunteering is something I’ve not done as regularly in my lifetime as I should have done, but in those years where I have committed myself to help, people or animals, it has always been rewarding. This week, I’ve found my newest volunteer home in Horse Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and Animal Refuge. I knew this was my place before I read about it online; I knew it was my place before I visited and before I met Denise, Kim, and Tim and had orientation for new volunteers. I knew that it was my place the first time I drove Highway 69, going south from Savannah toward Florence, Alabama; my heart told me. I saw Horse Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, spreading out on both sides of the highway with the actual creek by the same name flowing through the land, and it called to me. Searching online for information and reading about Horse Creek was something I had to do. I began to fall in love at first sight, and everything since has confirmed it is where I need to be for now.

Horse Creek is the type of place I would have love to create for animals today and then leave for future generations to continue in the same spirit. Horse Creek protects wildlife and their habitats in the 2,000 acres it owns and the other property it leases. In addition, Horse Creek rescues dogs from the local animal shelter and cares for them in a beautiful and compassionate way. The ultimate goal is to find forever homes for as many of these animals as possible, but the staff and volunteers lovingly care for these fur babies for as long as needed; a few of the dogs have lived at Horse Creek for years. In addition, Horse Creek offers much to the community and visitors to the vicinity. There is a lodge, camping and hiking areas, canoeing (in season), etc. Please take time to go to their web site (link is in first paragraph above) and read about this wonderful place.

Orientation was Tuesday of this week, so I only had a little time one-on-one with a couple of dogs. Yesterday, I spent almost an hour and a half at the Horse Creek kennels playing with and walking dogs. I got hot, sweaty, and covered in dog hair and dog kisses; it was so much fun! After walking six or so dogs along the gorgeous paved walking trails, all of which have lovely, green trees, I had gotten a pretty good workout. In volunteering to help the staff at Horse Creek care for these animals, I’m sure I am going to receive more than I give, but that is not why I’m there. I’m called to volunteer there – my heart told me so. What is your volunteer calling?

Dog Villa (Kennels)

The dog villa lobby is filled with history and pictures and paintings of dogs with a history at Horse Creek

Fenced areas on either side of the villa give dogs plenty of room to run and play.

Walking trails meander through the trees and by the pond