Hi Everyone,
I'm from Australia and have just stumbled on this. I can't believe how fantastic this is.
I'm involved in dog rescue over here but we are so far behind the US when it comes to animals.
I am coming to volunteer next year. I don't have a date yet but I am coming for sure. I just had some questions which I hope that you can help me with.
Firstly I don't want to drive as I will be on my own plus you guys drive on the right side. Is there Public transport to get out there? Also is accomodation close to Dog Town - Walking distance? I think I would enjoy the volunteering and I would learn a lot I can bring back here as well.
Thanks for your help everyone.
Kate
Hi Kate,
Welcome to the Best Friends Network. In case you haven't found it yet, there is a "Go Local" group for Australia that you might want to become a Fan of. Here's the link. Just click here to find it.
I hope you get to make the trip. Unfortunately, trying to volunteer at Best Friends without your own transportation would be pretty difficult. There is no public transportation at the Sanctuary or in Kanab. Getting to Best Friends would be your first obstacle. You could fly into Vegas and there are shuttle buses that take you to St. George, but you are still over an hour away from Kanab at that point. The sanctuary itself is on 3800 acres. Even if you stay in a cottage or cabin on premises, the only animal areas that are walking distance are Horses and Pigs.
Don't give up though. You could post here in the forum that you are looking for a travel buddy to meet up with in Vegas who will share expenses, but do the driving. Or how about an Eco tour? There are some now that include several days at Best Friends as part of their package. You'd also get to see Zion and the Grand Canyon to boot. If you email the Volunteer Department they could probably give you the name of the travel company that puts those trips together.
Volunteers@Bestfriends.org
Pat
"The road to a Forever Home is paved with Sleepovers."
Thanks Pat thats great I will look into it.
Hey, Kate,
I say go for it. If you think the website is fantastic, wait until you visit. It's even better when you get there.
First of all, don't be afraid of driving over here. Several years ago, I did a fly/drive to Ireland and was faced with the same thing you are. I had my son (at that time he was 5) with me. My one friend's dad warned me about driving on the other side of the road. I was fine after the first day. It's just a matter of getting used to it. Also, if you fly into Vegas and drive up to Best Friends, there is very little traffic on the interstate. I'm from the Chicago metro area. I couldn't believe it; no traffic. It was a pleasure driving.
Once you know your dates, you might want to try booking the a cottage or cabin on the Sanctuary itself. It's the best. When I was out there and staying in a cottage, one of the things I really enjoyed was sitting on the little porch at night with my sleep over dog, and just watching the constellations and the mule deer.
You will be amazed at the beauty of the place. I've travelled over many places in the US & Europe. I've never seen such beautiful geography. You will have a wonderful time volunteering with the dogs. I really believe they work miracles with these broken animals. You really will have an opportunity to learn a lot and you will meet the most wonderful people out there. I really would have loved to stay out there.
I found my visits to be almost a spiritual experience. I felt as if I had reconnected with my fellow humans and other living creatures.
Good luck planning your trip & enjoy your stay.
Hi Kate! I just had my first volunteer trip to Best Friends in August, and it was life-changing. I plan to go back every year. It was not a problem going alone. The drive is long but not at all difficult. If you want to stay on site in one of the cabins or cottages, make your reservations early! They tend to book way in advance, especially the cottages. I stayed in one of the cabins, and while the accommodations weren't fancy, they were just fine for my purposes and I enjoyed spending time on the shared patio with my fellow volunteers at the end of each day. Regardless of how you get there or where you stay, you'll have a wonderful time and the animals will love meeting you!
Leslie