This is the third in a series of 4 posts sponsored by Dawn. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own HAPPY thoughts.
Hi Friends. With it being the season for giving thanks, I wanted to personally and publically say THANK YOU to all the volunteers at the Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue. Both who primarily run on volunteers.
If you remember a while back I traveled to Sausalito California to the Marine Mammal Center for a Dawn ‘Day in the Wildlife’ Event. It was there that I learned about all the good these two organization along with Dawn were doing for our animals. We at Made with HAPPY are all about HAPPY and our motto is “In the pursuit of HAPPY” and while we love talking about crafts, and food and travel, we also know that HAPPY comes in so many ways. HAPPY is about being kind, thankful and giving. Happy is about helping those that cannot help themselves. Giving without expectation of reciprocation.
What I discovered on this trip was that the volunteers for these organizations are truly some unsung heroes. They put in long hours and dedication to maintaining these facilities and helping these these animals all on their own time without collecting a paycheck. They are saving the lives of these animals and doing so much good for the ocean and sea-life.
Last time, I briefly mentioned that I had the pleasure of shadowing Alexander for the afternoon.
He’s one of their fabulous volunteers (I’m super bias, but he was my favorite :)) and let me shadow him throughout the day. We talked and I asked about a bazillion questions and he answered them the best he knew and I just learned so much from him. 
This is Alexander Pearce, 19. He became a volunteer during a year off before heading to college due to needing to rehabilitate himself after a knee surgery. He started out in the education center learning about the facility and animals and then turning around and teaching the visitors to the Marine Mammal Center about all the good they do there. From education, he then moved into the Animal Care Crew. This is the job that I had the opportunity to share with him. 
We talked about all the rewarding aspects of volunteering as well as getting a hands on experience being up close and personal to the wildlife. 
They maintain every aspect of these facilities including not only the animal pens but the hospital, the kitchen, paths, everything!
Here is a fun video showing some of the fun we had throughout the day.
So as I think about being Thankful this season and throughout the year, let’s give a HUGE thank you to our Volunteers. Selfless individuals around the world that are contributing the better good of our world. I know I thank you all!!!
Big Shout out to Alexander for the opportunity of a lifetime teaching me how to get in there and get my feet wet!!
