For the past two months, Lake View homeschool families have had the opportunity to volunteer together at the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. It’s been wonderful to see these kids come together and give their time, spirit, and heart to animals awaiting a second chance.

Each visit includes making something for the animals and then spending time with them. During our first month, Judy Martin, the director of the Mendocino Coast Humane Society, organized several craft stations for the kids. One table was set up for making cat wands using wooden dowels, ribbons, feather boas, and bells. At another, we filled socks with catnip and added pom-poms for color and fun. My personal favorite was turning strips of old cotton shirts into puppy tug toys by braiding and knotting them together — a great way to turn unwanted clothing into something useful!

When we returned the following month, the kids were thrilled to see their handmade cat wands being used in the kitten rooms and cat cottage. With the rainy season approaching, the older dogs needed indoor enrichment, so the kids made frozen treats by layering peanut butter, yogurt, and crunchy dog treats into twenty metal bowls. Staff added broth and froze them — with all those treats, the dogs were sure to enjoy their time indoors.

Playing with the kittens is always a highlight, but during our most recent visit, we spent extra time in the adult cat cottage. It was fascinating to watch the social dynamics between the cats and to see which ones wanted to interact with us. A beautiful black male watched from the rafters above, cautious but curious. One hid beneath a blanket on the couch and nearly got sat on, while others were friendly and couldn’t get enough attention. I also enjoyed chatting with the regular volunteers, who shared insights about each cat’s personality — who got along with whom, and who had been there the longest. Hearing their stories added a deeper appreciation for the shelter’s work.

We also walked a puppy named Pedro on his very first leash walk. He was the sweetest! Pedro and several other dogs had been rescued after being dumped in a remote area. Like many white dogs, Pedro is deaf — a condition caused by a lack of pigment cells that are also important for inner ear development. Walking with him was a new and joyful experience for the girls, as they learned to communicate through smiles, gentle touch, and treats rather than words.

High school-aged kids and younger ones, accompanied by a guardian, can walk adult dogs suited for our group. We’re given walkie-talkies, a bag of treats, and trail guidelines before setting out.

Each visit has been a meaningful and rewarding experience, filled with laughter, learning, and community connection. We meet every third Friday from 1–3 pm. In the spirit of compassion and service, we’d love to have more families join us on our next visit.