Dogs have it ruff without Airman Kim

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Every dog has his day, but Airman 1st Class Namhoon Kim volunteers his days to a local animal shelter here. Kim a 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron customer support apprentice, spends his time at the Circle of Friends Humane Society as a volunteer.

Currently the shelter has 30 to 40 dogs, but also takes in cats, rodents and reptiles.

"I walk them, clean up after them and keep the dogs company in their living spaces," said Kim. "I try to get every one of the dogs out of the kennels to walk them."

Within five months of arriving in N.D., Kim has already spent more than 70 hours volunteering since January 2014.

Karen Ryba, education director and volunteer coordinator at Circle of Friends Humane Society, recognizes many military personnel who go through their volunteer program.

"I believe Kim to be an exemplary example of the win-win relationship between the Circle of Friends and the military," she said. "The Circle of Friends Humane Society is fortunate to have loving and caring military personnel such as Kim who give their time and their talents to benefit equally special pets."

Kim feels strongly about volunteering his time at the shelter that he invited other Airman in his office.

Senior Airman Adam Kramer, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron customer support journeymen, was invited by Kim after he found out that Kramer likes animals, but is not allowed to have pets at his apartment.

"At first I felt nervous dealing with the animals and the responsibilities that come with it," said Kramer. "Now I feel at home there and I try to help out as much as possible."

Kim explains that being patient is key with the dogs and recounted one of his most memorable experiences at the shelter.

"While I sat down with a pit bull, she started growling at me in my face," said Kim. "It took 15 minutes to calm her down. Turns out she was just a big softy."

The Circle of Friends Humane Society's goals and responsibilities are similar to his own goals in the military.

"Dogs are social animals, so it's important for me to learn how to adapt to different dogs coming in," said Kim. "I work in an environment of customer support, so I adjust to people constantly and provide what people need."

Kim hangs out with friends on the weekend, but spends more time with dogs that don't get to spend time going outside.

"I do it on my free time," said Kim. "Sometimes we are volunteered to do things, I do this because I want to."

The shelter's mission is to shelter and care for lost and unwanted animals, to place them into humane environments and to implement programs which increase everyone's awareness of their responsibilities to all animals.

"They each have their perks and personalities," said Kim. "It's bittersweet seeing them get adopted, you get to know them and love them, but you want them to find good homes."