I started volunteering with Lucky Dog over a year ago. At that point in my life I was looking to do something good that made me happy. I was volunteering with another organization at the time but noticed that the volunteers were not happy, and that it was starting to rub off on me. That is when I decided to volunteer where people are happy and immediately thought of animal rescue. After all, who is not happy when you get to interact with our canine and feline friends? I started out as a Volunteer Liaison (an awesome experience) and this opened the door to so many other opportunities. And, I have met so many amazing people and fur babies. I found the best of both worlds!

After my experiences as a Volunteer Liaison, I decided to sign up for fostering. I loved this experience (even when I had to clean up the occasional accident). I have cried every time they found their forever homes, but my tears are from happiness and love. I remember Jenny -- I loved her ears and she came with me to work and sat in my lap as I was working away. It was so hard giving her to her forever mom, but when you saw the love between the two, it was so worth it. Then there was Sammy -- I was so close to foster failing with that great gentlemen. Do not tell my other fosters, but he was my favorite. On the leash and at the adoption events, he was not always the happy camper, but everywhere else he was an awesome love bug. I still remember when Colleen called me telling me that they had a family that wanted to adopt Sammy. I was so happy for him, but I still cried tears of joy on my way to the event. Fostering is so fulfilling for me. I am proud to be part of a group that helps these puppies (adult dogs are still puppies to me) find their forever home. And even though I am only a temporary home, I am happy I was able to give them a home in the process. They did more for me than I did for them.

Then 2020 happened, and things changed up again. I am so amazed at how Lucky Dog Animal Rescue was able to adapt during this time. An email was sent to see if anyone could help with puppy contracts. I volunteered, and am so happy I did. My favorite part is hearing the joy in the voices of families that know in less than 24 hours they will be bringing a new puppy home. It might seem like the most boring part of the process, but hearing the excitement is so worth it. After a long day of normal work, these calls always put a smile on my face. This is when I decided to go ahead and submit the application for my own baby. Blondie (formally known as Ollie) is my love and I am so happy she is part of my family.

Thinking back, I am glad I remembered that one of my close friends rescued from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, and as a result Lucky Dog was the first place I thought of when I needed a change of scene in looking for a happy volunteering experience. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. CLICK HERE to learn more about Lucky Dog's volunteer opportunities.