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THE VOLUNTEER BRIEF

Martine Ferguson
This Month's Volunteer Spotlight Is On.. Robin Gurley!

Robin is a Monday volunteer who has been volunteering with HWAH since November 2014. 

A lifelong
animal lover, she had recently reduced her hours working as an editor for a research organization and was looking for volunteer work with an animal rescue organization or shelter. She had previously volunteered at the Montgomery County Humane Society in Rockville several years ago as a dog walker and transporter, and was planning to contact them about coming back. 

That is, until her friend Cecilia told her about HWAH, where she often boarded her dog Dusty. "Cecilia encouraged me to visit and see what HWAH was all about. So, I contacted Sher and set up a time to tour the facility. What I saw astounded me. 

"I couldn't believe how cozy, homey, clean, and calm the house was and how happy the dogs seemed. I really had never seen anything like it. Sher has devoted her life to taking care of dogs that society would have thrown away. She is passionate about and devoted to taking care of the needs of these dogs until the very end.

"I visit HWAH every other Monday and take care of the outside duties, which include LOTS of poop scooping, as well as emptying trash, cleaning and setting up the poop scoop stations, scrubbing and hosing down the patios, and anything else Sher would like me to do. 

"Although it can be a little nippy in the winter (and sticky in the summer), I enjoy being outdoors doing physical work; it's a nice change from the days I spend inside in front of my computer. I hope that the small part that I play in the amazing work that Sher does helps make things a little easier for her. From her appreciative words of thanks every time I leave, I think it does."
We and our supporters love seeing pictures of our volunteers in action. Here's Kat W., a medications volunteer, with our newest HWAH resident, Sally. We see a love story developing there!


Here's Wendy R., our Saturday morning Kennel Assistant, with Freddy (who recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge and was much loved by all) and Sammy. Daphne is photo-bombing the shot.



And here's Susan Y., our Saturday groomer, with Petey!
A very fond farewell to...

Laura Luke, who has moved to New York State. Being the dedicated volunteer that she is, she will continue to support the Sanctuary administratively from Pittsford! Thank you Laura!

Our terrific student volunteers, Katie & Tommy, who graduated high school this past May and are embarking on new adventures. Katie will be attending the University of Maryland in the fall in a preveterinary medicine specialized program. Katie had also been interning at a veterinarian'soffice. She was great at prepping and giving meds to our pups and she will make an excellent veterinarian. Tommy has moved to Connecticut with his family. Tommy was a very enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer and Joie and Spirit will miss their best bud very much.

Jaime P., who is moving to DC. Jaime took excellent care of the Kitties on Saturdays. Fluffy, Gianni and Olivia will miss her dearly and hope she comes visit us often.

Thank you for your dedicated service!

If you know of someone who would like to volunteer, please have them fill out the volunteer form by clicking here.
Thank You...
 
to all the volunteers who helped with the fundraiser held at the Third Annual Car and Motorcycle Show at Airpark Auto Service in Gaithersburg May 31st, including Carol Y, Rich B., Frances S., Ben S., Kathy L., and Nan L. Donations reached an astounding $525 and we received countless kind words of support and gratitude and lots of toys for the pups. 

A very special thank you to Carol Y. who organized HWAH's participation at the event and to Airpark owners Manny Sanchez & Nelson DeSousa who generously offered to host HWAH.

Thank you also to our summer volunteers, Jina and Kimi, for taking excellent care of the Kitties. Oliva, Fluffy and Gianni love the extra attention!
Welcome!
 
Please join us in welcoming the following new volunteers to our family! 

* Jason B. and his girlfriend, who take the Short-Term pups out for playtime on Sundays

* Jennifer C., our Thursday morning Kennel Assistant

* Lori W., our Tuesday evening Kennel Assistant

* Emma H., our Sunday morning Kennel Assistant

* Nikkee P., a Wednesday general assistance volunteer

We are thrilled to have you onboard!

 

 

Reminders:

 

The volunteer hours are between 11am and 2pm. Please gather your belongings and prepare to be out the door by no later than 2pm. Thank you very much for your cooperation in adhering to this schedule.

 

Please check out our Blog, The Heartbeat:

http://housewithaheart.wordpress.com

 

And our Facebook page for news and other events happening at the Sanctuary:

https://www.facebook.com/HousewithaHeart