It seems to me there are a couple of issues here. I don't think a shelter wants just any JoeBloe walking in one day to say "hey I'd like to help by walking your dogs". The shelter needs to know something about its volunteers though a criminal check might be a bit much. If someone has been volunteering at a shelter for some time so the staff knows them and now new policies are being put into effect, then the shelter should have some sort of informational meeting/handout for all its volunteers so they know what and why. And even when volunteers have been accepted, some mini-training should be included for handling dogs. Many shelter dogs have been abused so I wouldn't want a volunteer who grew up under the "old" system of training with spanking and collar yerking now handling a special needs dog. Actual certification for dog walkers - no - the government intrudes enough.
That sounds like a scarey experience, so glad things have turned out ok. Thats a good tip re the benedryl.
I had an afghan hound once that swelled up and looked like a bloodhound! He had lumps all along his back too, the vet thought that it was a reaction to a sting, we never did know what caused it, it didn't ever happen again.
And to continue the Fopaw's theme here…. Kobey (Emerant Fopaw TriWizard At Tanza) had his very first Novice Rally shows yesterday and today. Yesterday he scored a 95 and 4th place for his first Rally Leg... today, he scored 98 and 1st place for his second Rally leg...
Pass along my HI to Kevin... and tell him to give Therese a hug for me!!!!
Actually - I posted it on the Podengo group - lots of members in the area and looks like might be something from one of the hunt packs (or a golden GSD mix) Maybe one of them will bite.
