I've lost all hope

[tessa_s212]

for the local humane society.

I thought we were going to straighten the place up. They were attempting to train volunteers(doing a bad job, but they were trying!), they were looking to set up a foster program, and maybe even I could get some training classes going.

I learned today when I came home that yesterday my sister was told we are NOT getting any more hours other than Mon and Tues. That is FOUR hours every two weeks on average. That isn't enough to live on. That isn't enough hardly to buy all my own food on! I don't know where I coudl find another job, and I might have to stop eating lunches again.

I've pretty much decided this humane society is a waste of my time. The dogs are not, but the workers and job is. I will keep it so that I can continue to have access to the building and such. So long as we are still working at least Mon and Tues we have accessibility to records and such. I can still do my best to work with some of the dogs, at least label the breeds right(they're always getting them wrong), and show my love to the animals. They deserve at least that.

Just as things were looking up. Booooo. At

 

[SisMorphine]

Why don't you look for a position in a boarding kennel or doggy daycare? Though the pay isn't fantastic, they are ALWAYS desperately looking for people with experience.

 

[tessa_s212]

There are none in the area. NO dog related jobs other than HS and vets. I've already called all the vets in the area. No one is hiring.

I Can't work in fast food because I'm sick about every other week. So.. maybe I'll find somethign.

 

[SisMorphine]

If there are no kennels or daycares in your area, what about starting up a dog walking/pet sitting business? They are EXTREMELY lucrative . . . and dogs don't care if you're sick

 

[Chikadee77]

Hey Tess, I know how you feel.

I can't have a job cause I can't drive right now (hubby works 18 hour shifts so he can't drive me places and the bus doesn't come anywhere near base), so I started my own grooming/training business that I run out of my home. I can only do military dog owners cause they have to be able get on base/already live here. I just do simple things like baths, nails and ears and don't charge a whole lot ($12 for a bath, nail trim and ear cleaning for dogs under 50 lbs and $16 for a bath nail trim and ear cleaning for dogs over 50 pounds) but offering such low prices keep me pretty busy and the money adds up after a week.

My training sessions are a little more ($20.00/per half an hour) but still pretty low and I get a lot of customers. If they live on base, I do the training at their home, but if they don't we do it at mine.

Maybe try something like that (I know you're more than capable of both grooming and training) and put up flyers around town to advertise it.

Good luck!

 

[tessa_s212]

Stacey, I offer the same services out of my own home.. unfortunately, no one around here cares much about their dogs to pay for grooming. They tie them up, leave them upside, and let them get matted. I had two consistent clients at one time, but I haven't heard from either one when the next time was nearing when their dogs would need shaved and bathed. And those that do go to the actual professionals other cities away. So, that too is out of the question.

There are no jobs in my immediate town. Let's just say the population of the village is about 1,000. There are no grocery stores, no vets, only two restaurants(one is not hiring, and the other I'm letting my sister take that job- plus, as I said.. I'm always sick), and no other small local shops are hiring.

 

[Chikadee77]

Aww, that sucks...

Haha, sounds like the town where my sister lives! Cripple Creek, a big gambling town is about 7 miles away, but no one really ventures up to Victor much where she lives. They say the town has a population of almost 600 but I swear I've only seen the same 40 or so people when I go up there...

Hmm, maybe as summer approaches some places will start hiring... kinda a ways away right now though... Hope you find something soon!

 

[RD]

Stay for the animals, Tessa, but look for another job. Surely there's SOMETHING in your area. Might take a lot of looking to find it, but there has to be something. Heck, look into neighboring cities and see if you can find a position that pays enough so you can afford the commute. Anything is better than 2 hours a week. I mean please!