Volunteer Spotlight: Meg Langa

Meg Langa started volunteering as a dog walker at HSMO’s Macklind Avenue shelter in early 2022 when she became involuntarily retired.

She had always had an interest in helping walk shelter dogs, and it was the perfect time. In the four-plus years since then, her routine has become walking three days a week. While she says each shift is a little different, the goal remains the same: give each dog as much time she can.

“It’s great when we have plenty of walkers so we can take our time with the dogs and give them a nice walk to stretch their legs and get some mental stimulation by ‘reading’ the bushes and grass and trees around the shelter,” she says.

Meg says the most rewarding part about volunteering is that everyone who works or volunteers at the shelter does their best to help as many animals as they can live happy and healthy lives at the shelter. It’s simple, she says, but it sums up the work everyone is there to do.

“I can’t take them all home. I can’t control where they came from or where they’re going, but I can take care of them while I’m there. I treat most of the dogs like they’re my own when we’re walking. I tell them I love them and that they’re beautiful and sweet and that someone will find them and love them at their house.”

Her favorite moments at the shelter are when a dog that’s been in the shelter for a long time finally gets adopted. She’s also fostered two dogs in her time volunteering, one of which ended up joining her family permanently.

Meg encourages anyone considering volunteering at the Humane Society to come in and meet with a volunteer coordinator to find the best fit.

“When I mentor new walkers, I always tell them that walking shelter dogs is the highlight of my week,” she says.

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