Many people ask me how I could volunteer at an animal shelter. "Oh, that would just break my heart," they say, or "Don't you want to take all of them home?" And, my personal favorite, "It would just be too hard on me to do that."

Well, I will tell you the truth: It is hard, and I have had my heart broken more than once. But my simple answer is always the same: It's not about me. It can't be, because there are thousands of animals that pass through the doors of the Escondido Humane Society every year that are counting on me and my fellow volunteers. And I refuse to be another person in their lives who lets them down. They need me, and they need you, too.

They need us for different reasons, and those needs change on a daily basis.

To the animals, volunteers are walkers, cuddlers, playmates, teachers, disciplinarians, laps to sit on, faces to lick and a stable force in a stressful environment. That's why it's so hard to tell people what to expect as a volunteer. But here is what I can tell you:

Volunteering at a shelter is the perfect opportunity for animal lovers. There aren't many other places I can think of that you can spend hours cuddling a dog, cat or bunny while feeling the satisfaction of knowing you have made an impact on his or her life. And, believe me, you will make a dramatic impact.

Things that seem so small to us -- taking a dog for a 20-minute walk or cuddling a cat -- make a lifesaving difference for a shelter animal. Their lives are enriched immeasurably just by giving them your time. The licks, tail wags and purrs of appreciation are all you need in return.

Volunteering is hard work, physically and emotionally. I remember my first true love at the Humane Society, and I remember how hard it was to say goodbye to him when he went home. Sure, there were some tears -- OK, a lot of them -- but it didn't take long for me to find another dog waiting to take his spot in my heart. The sad truth is that there will always be another dog, another cat, another rabbit that needs our time and compassion.

The good moments make the few bad ones melt away. Sure, there are times that you are tired and covered in things I can't mention here, but all of that is forgotten the moment you see an animal walk out the front door with his or her new family.

Miracles and happy endings happen every day. And they couldn't happen without help from volunteers.

The Escondido Humane Society is always on the lookout for volunteers, but we aren't the only ones. All of the homeless animals in San Diego County can use your help. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, go online to the shelter or rescue of your choice to learn more about their opportunities and requirements.

Local humane societies can be reached at: http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org; http://www.animalcenter.org; http://www.nchumane.org; http://www.rchumanesociety.org; http://www.sdhumane.org; and http://www.sddac.com.

Katie Woolsey is the public relations coordinator and volunteer with the Escondido Humane Society. Contact her at katiew@escondidohumanesociety.org.