News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Huron Humane Society volunteer Mary Burns, 18, plays with a dog named Wren at the shelter recently.

ALPENA — For 18-year-old Mary Burns, volunteering began as a requirement of her pre-med education, but, after seeing the impact it has on her community, she intends to continue devoting her time and talents for years to come.

Burns volunteers at the Huron Humane Society. For the last two months, she’s provided care to the dogs and cats at the shelter and helped find them homes.

Over that short span of time however, she expanded the list of who she helps to include those at the surgical clinic at the MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena. She said she knows other groups and organizations also need help and she could do more, when time allows.

“I love animals, so the Huron Humane Society made sense, and I also love working and talking to people, so I like what I do at the hospital,” Burns said. “I think it is fun to help the community and make a difference in it.”

Burns knows a lot of people her age may not volunteer yet, and she hopes that changes. She said people of all ages have something to give to those who need help.

“Just try it and see if you like it,” she said. “Get involved in something that interests you. I think most people want to help others. Plus, it brings you a great deal of happiness and sense of pride, knowing you are helping others.”

Alpena is Burns’ home, and she said she loves it in Northeast Michigan, which she called a tight-knit community with people who always come together to help others.

“Alpena is home, and, when you are here, you feel like you’re on vacation, even though you aren’t,” Burns said. “The people here are very down to earth and come together as one when times call for it. We all always find a way to make things work when there is an issue. ”

Burns said she loves dogs, especially golden Labrador retrievers. She said she has a poodle at home, because she likes small dogs as much as large ones. She said she most enjoys one-on-one time with the animals out of their cages.

“I love walking the dogs,” she said. “They are in the cages all day and they are happy to get outside. They love being able to walk and play.”