ABC2 is partnering with the Maryland SPCA for this year's March for the Animals and will be highlighting the work they do to save thousands of homeless pets.
Much of the work to care for the animals wouldn't happen without the dedication of the volunteers. The Maryland SPCA calls them "true lifesavers." They walk dogs, cuddle cats, care for foster animals and work at fundraisers.
Kim Carlin is one of those dedicated volunteers. She started coming back in 2013, after losing her dog. She thought she would just go walk a couple of dogs a few days a week.
"I didn't realize what I was doing was joining a community of people who just love animals," Carlin said.
Carlin comes every Friday morning to walk dogs while the staff cleans the kennels. On Sunday afternoons, you'll find her behind the front desk, greeting potential adopters and answering their questions.
"You feel like whenever you're volunteering here, you really are making a difference," she said. "You're making a difference in the lives of the pets, and you're making a difference in the lives of the people who are going to end up adopting those animals."
Carlin's husband worried that when she started volunteering at the Maryland SPCA, she would want to bring home every dog she walked.
"I didn't end up bringing home every dog that I worked with because you really see that they're going to great homes. It's a very satisfying process to see."
But she does have one warning for future volunteers.
"I tell them just be careful, it's very addictive."
Join ABC2 at the March for the Animals on Sunday April 24 at Druid Hill Park. For more information, click here.
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