Lending a hand at Natalie's Second Chance

Tippecanoe county.

Dogs over at natalie's second chance shelter are feeling the effects.

News 18's cody melin spoke with shelter leaders.

Cody, how can people help out?

Good morning, marvin.

You're right.

Humans aren't the only ones feeling the negative impact of the pandemic.

The folks over at natalie's told me "man's best friend" needs some love, too.

The coronavirus pandemic has no doubt affected everything from getting an education to grabbing a bite to eat.

But humans, aren't the only ones receiving the short end of the stick.

(nat of dog) the pups at natalie's second chance need that little boost of help to find their forever home.

However, less people out and about means less assistance.

"normally we have a lot of fundraisers that we get to do, but to do fundraisers, we have to be around people."

Donations cover every day costs like food to more important needs like vet bills.

"any amount that anyone can donate, helps...even if it's just 5 dollars."

But they are other ways to help if you can't donate money.

"start your day at natalie's...end your day at natalie's..."

A large portion of volunteers at natalie's are purdue students, something that will hurt the shelter once fall break arrives.

"starting thanksgiving, and then through the new year until purdue comes back, we really don't have volunteers scheduled."

Volunteers have a few options when it comes to spending their time at the shelter.

"you can walk dogs...if you really want to you can help clean crates."

"we have some dogs too that could just use some cuddling, socializing."

Purdue university student jack beuchler says getting involved is easy.

"you literally can just show up at one of their designated walking times, they'll give you a dog to walk and you can help them out."

While most of us are bogged down at home while social events are put on pause, rice says volunteering has some added benefits.

"dogs are great company.

They can keep you busy.

One thing they can do, is get you outside."

Spending time with the pups is something purdue student reese crowell has been doing for the past two semsters.

He says the process, pays off.

"it's really rewarding to like get to know the dogs, and like know them by name and then watch them get adopted.

It's really rewarding to see them succeed in life."

Volunteer reese crowell is absolutely right.

One year ago to this day, i was able to give this pup, a new forever home.

Dobrik got that second chance and has become part of the wlfi crew.

So if you're looking for a new best friend during these hard times, i recommend adopting.

For a full list of shelter needs, head over to wlfi dot com.

Cody melin, news 18.