Dirty Work! Sanctuary Volunteer.

Estados Unidos

5

This was a very deep and meaningful experience for me. Although short because it was mentally a lot for me, I've none stop been thinking about the shelter since I've left. The accommodation is veryyy basic but they provide you lots of veggies, fruit, and eggs! The work is really tough physically and you will be covered in poop of different colors, dog food, and flies by the end of the day, but it is not bad if you bring lots of gloves! If you are mentally prepared for a heartbreaking yet very rewarding experience, you will forever be impacted by the many eyes that beg for love ❤️

hace 2 años

Reino Unido

5

If you don't mind muck and can handle a little chaos, you won't want to leave this place. Prepare to be overwhelmed on Day 1, shaken by the dogfights, covered in dog/cat/donkey (or maybe even seagull) pee, poo and food, and to feel tired after a busy shift. But connecting with the animals and easing their pain, enjoying good vibes at the staff house and experiencing the organization in a truly authentic setting surrounded by a beautiful landscape all make this experience unforgettable. Just don't bring new shoes!

hace más de 2 años

Hungría

5

This experience was truly unique and something else! And yes, the work is dirty, and often difficult, but this was communicated transparently and I knew what to expect. And at the end of the day the gratitude of the animals makes it all worth. But yes, I think this is for people who don't mind getting dirty and live in simple( yet nice) circumstances. Lisa is a wonderful person to communicate with, and I met some super nice people during my stay. The surroundings are beautiful, with the ocean nearby. I can recommend it if you want to create impact and have an adventure!

hace más de 2 años

Lina respondido

Pina came to Maa with such enthusiasm a very optimistic lady ready to do what ever was needed to help care for our animals.-She took instruction well and adapted well, when working alone or as part of a team.-Yes its hard work yes its dirty work but Pina worked well through this too, always with a smile we appreciate this kind of energy around our animals and team.

Her commitment was second to none in general a great all round worker with a lot of love to to give to our animals and team mates alike.

We look forward to her return in the future.

Thank you for leaving us a review Pina.

Reino Unido

5

The organization is an amazing and inspiring charity. It's undoubtedly hard and draining work but that is clearly communicated in advance and it's extremely rewarding. All of the staff and volunteers are incredible, I felt so welcome and it was so special to be living with volunteers and locals at the staff house. It's dirty work but definitely worth it and I would recommend it to anyone! Thanks MAA for such a special experience!

hace más de 2 años

Lina respondido

Jacob,
Arrived at Maa with an open mind to what was excepted of him in regards to the work we do when caring for our animals.-This served him well and us.

He took instruction well and completed tasks well when working alone or as part of a team.-He is punctual with timing, his caring manner and dedication to the job was second to none.

He was never afraid of hard work getting dirty or asking for direction, all great qualities to have when working with us at Maa.

In general a great all round worker with a lot of love to give.

Thank you Jacob for leaving us a great review, we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Alemania

5

I enjoyed my stay that much that I'm still here. But it's definitely not for everyone. The work is hard, it's exhausting, physically as well as mentally. But if you love animals, if their joy and happiness is yours, it's all worth it. Then it's truly fulfilling. Besides the animals, it's also the people that made me stay here. I've gotten to know so many amazing persons, that will forever have a place in my heart. <3 Alva

hace más de 2 años

Lina respondido

Alva has been an inspiring team member, she has been been fully committed to helping the cause at Maa.- She's kind compassionate and very aware of what the job entails, she's happy in her work even when it becomes heart breaking at times.- She works well in a team and alone a great attribute to have, under pressure she just gets on with the job.

The work at Maa can be hard at times, she welcomes that and isn't afraid of getting her hands dirty.-In general a great worker with a lot of love to give to the animals and her team mates.

Alva decided to stay longer with us and we couldn't be happier with her decision, she is a valued member of our great team at Maa.

Samoa

5

First time ever in the organization - an what an experience of a lifetime! MAA is a true representative of heroes without cape - the amount of work & care for the animals is outstanding. Conditions aren't always the best but the whole team makes it happen daily. From cleaning duties, feeding, healthcare - it is very hard work. But the outcome - the animals, the appreciation… it is worth every single sweat drop! They have different locations for the shelters - I got to experience 3 different locations and actually fell in love w a cat, which is now in process of adoption to come with me to London!

hace más de 2 años

Lina respondido

Margarida was a breath of fresh air.

Her easy going manner and enthusiasm for the cause was second to none.-A very caring person dedicated to helping animals In need was clearly high on her list of priorities.
She was a hard worker and adapted easily to different positions in this role as an animal carer with Maa.-A valued member of our team, worked well in a team or alone showing an enormous amount of love and commitment to Maa.-Never afraid to get involved in the most emotional parts of the job and also not afraid to get her hands dirty.

In general a great attribute to the cause we look forward to her return in the future.

Thank you for leaving us a review Margarida.

Canadá

5

The organization is an incredible experience! It's a place that you get more from the more you're willing to give. It's such an intense environment emotionally and physically, but connecting with the dogs was the most satisfying and wholesome experience I've ever had. When it comes to accommodations, don't have the highest expectations. It's for an the organization shelter, so expect some of the smells and cleanliness of the workplace to carry over to the staff housing :)

hace más de 2 años

Lina respondido

Hi, Dyson
It was our pleasure to have you on board at Maa.

You became a valuable part of our team, understanding from the start what we aim to achieve with our animals.- Your commitment was second to none and hundred percent every time, it was very apparent from the start your main aim was care and commitment.

Thank you for contributing at the highest level we appreciate this kind of dedication. You worked hard and well and embraced any situation with an open mind alone or as part of a team.

Thank you for leaving us a review.
We look for forward to you returning in the future.

Marruecos

5

It is a good experience for those who want to push themselves and discover the limits of their capabilitiesIt's a great experience. The team is really good, but it must be taken into account that this place is not for fun, but for hard work and expressing love for animals through work and putting up with dirt.

hace más de 2 años

Lina respondido

Hi, Monssif

Thank you so much for coming to volunteer with Maa.

Your efforts and hard work were very much appreciated by all the team. As a valued team member you worked hard, took instruction well and contributed to a big part of the care we provide for our animals.- Thank you for leaving us a review of your experience.

We look forward to you returning sometime in the future.

Reino Unido

1

You're expected to work more than agreed, there is no training, you're treated with little respect and given unreasonable rules. The facilities in the house are basic, dirty and no meals are provided, only minimal raw ingredients. The facilities at work are non-existent, bordering on dangerous. No toilets, breaks, safety,transport, or thank you. The experience with the animals is traumatic. You will see diseases, severe injuries and even see animals die. The space is filthy and too small for the number of animals. Lucy made me feel unappreciated. Lisa is wonderful, the only positive authority

hace más de 2 años

Lina respondido

Hi Maddison,

Thank you for offering your time to the animals of MAA and leaving a review. And yes, almost everything is true.

You're right, our space is too small. It's why we've been trying to move out to the bigger land for months but couldn't and still can't because we just don't have the finances to do it.

You're right, we don't have a bathroom at the shelter. But there is one just across the street of the shelter and it has never proven to be an issue for any of the other volunteers.

You're right, this work is dirty, smelly and heartbreaking. All of that is mentioned beforehand, even in the description of the volunteer position itself.

You're right, there is a tonne we have yet to improve---in terms of management, facilities and everything else.

The one thing you're not right about is being asked to work more than stated.

The position says 30 hours per week, which is 5 hours per day, 6 days per week, which is what you have been asked to work as well.

As far as appreciation goes, we appreciate everyone who is ready to get their hands dirty, be part of the team, follow instructions that are there for a reason to not endanger other teammates as well as the animals we take care of.

None of these were unfortunately respected on your end.

And regarding the staff house, while there is a cleaner that comes and cleans the basic stuff, we expect our volunteers to be responsible adults, clean after themselves, respect each other and, if anything arises, address the issue and sort it out together.

But you're right, we don't have a cook and our amenities are basic. We expect everyone to be capable enough to cook for themselves.

Everything can be viewed from two perspectives. And everything can either become a learning and bonding experience or it can become something in which we only see fault in. Wish you wouldn't have taken the second option but it is what it is.

We'll keep on trying to do better as we have so far.

Good luck with everything

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