I am volunteering at a dog shelter in order to prepare myself emotionally for a proper job. Sort of Like vocational training wheels.  

I’ve been volunteering for 3 months, and I’m incredibly frustrated because none of the staff (even the volunteer coordinator) acknowledge my existence at all.  

I walk in, I smile and say “hello” to people, and they literally either give a half-smile or ignore me. They treat all the volunteers similarly, so I know it’s not just me.  But it’s very de-humanizing. 

I once waited 20 minutes to ask a simple question, and the staff literally just ignored me every time I spoke, and I had to assert myself very, very firmly to even be acknowledged. They weren’t even talking about work, they were talking about weekend plans.  And then they were very chuffed to answer my simple question (is this the right key?). 

We have no oversight at all. Me and another volunteer who works the same shifts, and also has no idea what she is doing, are just sort of fumbling around guessing. Occasionally the staff will walk by and scold us for improper technique, but that’s the only acknowledgment we ever get. 

One time, there was a very difficult dog and I tried asking everyone for help. No one wanted to help, until another more seasoned volunteer popped out of the woodwork to take the dog, but just sort of brushed us out of the way.  I tried to ask what I should do next time this happens and he brushed me off, like “just get help”

But i tried, desperately, desperately, to get help. And I want to learn. I want to be proficient. People act like it’s just not possible for me to get better. 

I guess I just always feel that I’m in the way. Everyone would rather do things themselves than teach me. 

I’ve tried several simple ice breakers with staff, and only one women even engaged me in simple conversation. 

I know it’s just not possible for everyone to hate me. I know it’s probably nothing I’m doing. But I’m going crazy. 

I desperately want some feedback about what I’m doing well and what I need to learn (and then be taught that!).  

I don’t even think the volunteer coordinator knows my name. I’ve only seem her twice since orientation, and she has not even stopped to say hi, though I have tried to engage her.  

And socially, I don’t know. I’ve never been good socially, but I’m usually able to successfully make a bit of small talk. But I’m not even getting eye contact.  It’s the strangest thing I’ve ever experienced. 

I know that overcoming and persevering at this position will make me a better person. And it’s all worse because I lost my insurance (and therapist) and I’m in the process of getting back, but I just really need some advice right now. 

I’m kind of at the brink of quitting, but I really, really want to persevere.  

Any advice, thoughts, and what-not are dearly appreciated. 



O