When Sharon’s life took an unexpected and disappointing turn some time ago, she was forced to give up her work in the veterinary field and get a “real job.” She found employment as an office manager for a company in Burlington, but missed her work with animals.
One thing lead to another and Sharon began working at Lakeland Animal Shelter as a volunteer. When the call came to begin an animal-assisted therapy program at Inspiration Ministries, Sharon was a natural choice.
Every Tuesday, you’ll find Sharon and a Lakeland Animal Shelter friend in the Inspiration Ministries Activities Room, surrounded by fellow animal lovers. One woman says, “I got my cat from the Animal Shelter in 2000.” Another voice chimes in, “I love it when they come!” while others patiently wait for their turn to hold, pet or be with a furry friend.
Sharon sees Inspiration Ministries as a family away from family. “I love learning the residents and bringing animals,” she says. “This is a neat family, everyone is happy and active.”
That happy, relaxed atmosphere is important to the animals Sharon brings. They are often long-term animals at the shelter, those that need to learn to trust people again. Inspiration Ministries is a place where many find a fresh start, whether they have two legs or four!