Making a difference in the lives of animals and potential adopters are what behavioral workers are known for. The Humane Society Calumet Area is lucky enough to have a group of workers that are dedicated to the job. From cleaning up after the animals to one-on-one behavioral sessions, the behavioral workers do it all and then some.
Animals that are considered for behavioral work may include animals that are stressed out, scared, or aggressive due to fear. Some can be animals that are feeling uncomfortable at the shelter around new people. It’s not always animals that have just come in, sometimes being in the shelter for a long period of time can cause behavioral issues because of stress or fear. “That is why we work hard every day to try and make it less stressful until they can find their forever home,” said Rhonda Aguilera, head of the behavioral worker.
The behavioral workers care for the animal’s mental wellbeing while they’re staying at the shelter. Other tasks they do are heading the daily enrichment programs, canine playgroups, assess animals when they come in, provide adoption and post adoption support to adopters, monitor the behaviors, assist other departments, and create new behavior protocols.
“We have had several dogs who were labeled as dog aggressive or haven’t done well with other dogs. By having playgroups, these same dogs have made so much progress being around other dogs,” said Jenna Jones, behavioral worker.
The playgroups are a great way to build up an animal’s confidence and it allows them to interact with other dogs. For those dogs who might not be comfortable in groups, the workers have one on one sessions with them where they take them on walks or do basic obedience training with them.
“One dog used to sound extremely dog reactive whenever other dogs walked past her kennel. When we tried her in a playgroup, she was perfectly fine. What she was displaying in the kennel was frustration from the environment,” said Jones.
This same dog, like many others the behavioral workers have worked with, got adopted into families that have other dogs.
“We introduced a group of five dogs who were scared and shy with people. As they began to spend time together and interact, they started to develop more confidence. They would approach people and allow them to pet them. The way they helped each other emotionally was an incredible thing to be a part of,” said Kristen Jeppeson, behavioral worker.
All of the behavioral workers believe the job can be an emotional rollercoaster. It can be incredibly rewarding and completely heartbreaking at times.
“We see dogs go from abusive/neglectful backgrounds to becoming balanced and healthy animals. Being a small part of that process makes it very rewarding,” said Jeppeson.
The behavioral workers are extremely hardworking individuals and are always trying to come up with new ways to help improve the animal’s lives. Even when the workers are not on the job, they are still continuously thinking of different things they can do when working with the animals. They are all passionate about what they do and love seeing the progress each animal makes over time.
“I love every part of my job. I know I am making a difference in the lives of needy animals as well as people looking for their new companion. It fills my life with joy and makes my heart truly happy to know that I can be a part of this amazing organization,” said Aguilera.