Voices of Volunteers
Volunteer Quotes
What some of our volunteers have said about volunteering:
"Exactly one year ago today, St Patrick’s Day 2007, I was heading off to a Petco in Richfield to 'talk' with Pet Haven volunteers about my 'possible' FUTURE involvement as a dog foster. Two hours later I was sent home with Ella the Irish Wolfhound mix. That began one the most wonderful experiences of my life. And with every experience there are ups and downs. But through it all the dedication, passion, and support of the Pet Haven volunteers has helped me when I am having trouble as well as when I am having success. I have never felt alone. And so today, St Patrick’s Day 2008, as I am adopting out my 10th dog, I feel as if I have come full circle. Many many thanks to all who have helped me and Pet Haven throughout this year. I look forward to lots more fun and fur to come"
Laura Leonard
Dog Foster and Foster Mentor
Riley was fostered by Laura and found his forever home in April, 2008
"For me, Pet Haven is about the dogs, but there's also a warm sense of community amongst the volunteers, from the board to the dog division leadership to the foster 'parents'.
"It's so satisfying to know a dog we at Pet Haven have cared for is going to a loving, forever home. When I do a home visit with a dog and a potential adopter, it's wonderful to see how excited the people are about bringing one special and lucky dog into their family. And, I love getting updates from our happy dogs in their new homes."
Celayne Jones
Foster Coordinator, Dog Division
"I am so proud to be part of an organization like Pet Haven! I know that everything I do as a volunteer helps make the world a better place for the dogs and cats of the world. Reading every happy tail brings tears to my eyes, and helps me see that we can make a difference!"
Melody Jennings Kruzic
Outreach Director/Board Member
Faces of Volunteers
Volunteers work tirelessly to rescue and re-home dogs and cats, raise money, and educate the public on responsible guardianship and the importance of spaying and neutering to reduce overpopulation. We’d like for you to get to know who we are:
Ann S.: One dog at a time
By Chelsie S.
Ann S. has been volunteering with Pet Haven since 2006. Ann first decided to get involved with Pet Haven after she met some of our wonderful volunteers at an adoption event, where she found a new companion for her 13 year old dog Maddie. Ann does a lot of great things for Pet Haven, starting with being the intake coordinator for the dog division; her involvement, however, goes way beyond that. She screens potential adopters, assists with transportation, and is part of the "In from the cold" pod. This pod currently consists of three volunteers who donate some of their own money to bring dogs in from up north and out of the frigid cold, boarding them temporarily at Auntie Ruth's (one of Pet Haven's partner doggie daycare boarding facilities in the twin cities) until a foster home opens up. Ann enjoys her work with Pet Haven because of the love and dedication all of her fellow volunteers show. She loves the fact that they all make Pet Haven feel like a family dedicated to helping each other and animals alike.
With all of the animal rescue organizations out there Ann stays connected to Pet Haven because she has a lot of history with some the great animals Pet Haven has saved in her two years. One of her most memorable stories was Sam, a black lab. Sam's family had twins and was too overwhelmed with their new children that they couldn't do Sam justice. They called Ann and begged her to find a good home for him. Ann found a perfect match for Sam. His old family contacted Ann begging for an update. After some thought, Ann agreed to contact Sam's new family. To protect the privacy of the adopters and those that surrender animals to Pet Haven, Ann played the role of intermediary. At Ann's request, Sam's new family happily obliged, and sent plenty of pictures and amazing anecdotes about his personality (you can read Sam's "happy tail" here). Ann is amazed how "sometimes it takes a community to help a single dog."
Another story that touched Ann a lot was "Ben", another black lab mix, who was found up north. When he was taken in to be "fixed", the vet happened to feel a lump in his head and took x-rays. The x-rays revealed 14 pieces of buck shot in his head.
When Ann isn't volunteering for Pet Haven she enjoys spending time training Bella her beagle/lab (whom she adopted from Pet Haven). They both enjoy obedience training, have won the Novice Obedience Title, and participate in agility shows . When not working with Bella, Ann likes to play bridge, read, play paddle tennis, and hang out with her kids and friends. Ann even was an actor at the Guthrie Theater for a show called "The Man Who came to Dinner."
Ann would love to help every animal that needs help but knows that sometimes you need to focus on one dog at a time. She is a great asset to Pet Haven and has been a wonderful addition to the Pet Haven family of volunteers. Her passion and dedication is an exemplary example of the spirit of Pet Haven's mission in action
Creative Expressions
There are a plethora of reasons for how and why we have come to be a part of the Pet Haven community. Whatever that reason is, for many of us, our lives are forever changed as we discover how much more we have received from our gift of volunteering. We share with you our stories, essays, reflections, art work, photos, etc – pieces inspired from our souls being touched by the experience of volunteering and being a voice of the voiceless.
Read Marilou's pieces on Passion Emerges from the Ashes of Grief and What I learned from a young college student.
Celayne has written a piece titled So what's so great about volunteering with Pet Haven Dogs?
Sid (now a volunteer!) shares her experience of adopting from Pet Haven: A furry tail come true
Pet Haven volunteer guiding principles:
- Compassion
- Communication
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Community