According to CBS7 News, in Odessa, Texas, for the first time in two years, there are eleven dogs and cats that will be euthanized if they do not find a home before Tuesday, June 21. Even though these sweet animals have not harmed anyone, there is simply not enough room at the shelter, which is currently housing 250 animals when it is only meant for 150. If you’re like me, the thought of an innocent dog or cat being put down is absolutely sickening.

I am an animal lover a thousand times over. I am a regular volunteer at a local Lubbock animal shelter, and I can’t pass a stray on the side of the road without stopping to help. The very first time I volunteered at 4Legged Friends of Lubbock, I fell in love with one of the dogs that had just been brought to the shelter, Piper. I knew that if I adopted her, my Mom was going to have a field day. It's not that she doesn’t have a heart for animals; it was more because of the fact that I am merely 19 years old, and I already have a 120-pound kiddo named Nikki to take care of. Piper and I clicked instantly, and I knew that if I could make it work financially, there would be nothing that I could love more than to give that sweet angel a forever home.

Piper has been a part of my family for three months now, and I can honestly say that there is no better feeling than looking at that sweet baby and knowing that I saved a life. Everyone that she comes into contact with, including my Mom, also falls in love with her sweet, cuddly spirit and those goofy, floppy ears. It is so easy to see how desperately she wants to be loved, as she follows me everywhere I go and just wants to be next to me at all times. I know it is terribly cliché to say, “I didn’t save her life, she saved mine,” but it is true.

There are so many different ways to make a difference if adopting is not an option for you. There are multiple shelters all over Texas that are in constant need of volunteers, supplies and donations. The shelter I previously mentioned, 4Legged Friends of Lubbock, is currently raising money so that they can build a brand new adoption facility. Their current building is simply not large enough to be ideal for the animals they rescue. 4Legged Friends, the Haven and Saving Grace Pit Bull Rescue are just a few shelters that do incredible work with the animals they save, giving them a second chance at a forever home.

Even if donating money or adopting an animal is not an option for you right now, donating your time through volunteering at the shelters or even fostering an animal are great alternatives. There are so many homeless pets in Texas that need love; it doesn’t take much to make a difference.