Shelter Dogs Keep United Way Volunteers Company

Editor's note: This post was created by Alex Alusheff

Joanna Paull is a sucker for wet noses.

Her love of dogs led her to volunteer at the Lake Humane Society as part of the 21st annual United Way Day of Caring on Wednesday.

“I love the opportunity to care for animals and make their life a little better,” said Paull, who volunteered at the Humane Society last year as well.

Paull, an associate professor of English at Lakeland Community College, was joined by nearly a dozen other colleagues to paint, put up drywall and install a wheelchair ramp for the animal group.

The college is one of more than 60 businesses volunteering in more than 80 projects throughout the county, said Nick Carrabine, director of marketing and communications for United Way of Lake County. Projects include landscaping and painting at various businesses and residences.

LCC has participated in Day of Caring for 15 years, the last four at the Humane Society, said Mary Brown, manager of community relations for the college and coordinator of the project.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than volunteering,” Brown said. “We know the need is great, not just for the animals, but the people too.”

As Paull and a coworker painted one of the back rooms, a poodle and beagle in cages kept them company.

“I did it, ” Paull said with paintbrush in hand and a glance at the dogs, “because I just love puppies.”