Christ Yoder
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We have countless wonderful volunteers who fill important roles at the shelter. Some welcome people to our lobby, some help organize events, some host, others walk dogs or help with PetSmart cats.
That being said, I would like to tell you about our Sandra.
Sandra Procter was there to help me train eight years ago when my son and I first came to volunteer. I loved her straight away and wanted to volunteer on the same days she volunteered. I attribute to her the reason I felt so comfortable coming back. She is one of the many surrogate grandmothers that my son has been fortunate enough to earn through volunteering. She has a warmth that draws not only people to her, but dogs as well.
Sandra was one of the first FOTAS volunteers. Over the years, she has done it all – walking and washing dogs, doing foster care, and recruiting and referring other volunteers. She and her husband Dick adopted two Shelter dogs, Ellie and Sophie, and a Shelter cat, Maggie. They also make peanut butter and green bean treats for dogs. We pay attention to the number of treats we give our dogs (stomach aches), and Sandra is the only volunteer authorized by our vet to make homemade treats. They are so excited when they see it coming! They start to lick their lips and move. Sandra talks to everyone, telling them how wonderful they are.
It was raining hard recently and Sandra and the other dog walkers got soaked! I sent them a thank you and Sandra replied: “It was a pleasure! I can’t disappoint the poor dogs who can’t wait for us to walk them and spend time with them. Sandra is really beautiful inside and out!
What motivates someone to volunteer three days a week for over a decade?
“There are a number of reasons,†says Procter. Happiness is when a shy dog ​​looks you in the eye and comes to the door of his kennel, excited to see you knowing he will be walking, kissing and maybe even spending time on the sofa. Nothing beats the joy of knowing that one of these animals has been adopted and now has a good home. You think maybe, just maybe, I played a part in making this happen.
As Procter reflects on 13 years as a volunteer, she notes, “There are people who are friendly too. The staff are so dedicated, caring and supportive. Volunteers bond quickly. I can’t wait to see my whole FOTAS family.
“Opening a kennel door and having a little face that looks at you like you’re the best person in the world is such a feeling,†she added. “A walk in the sun, the smell of the woods, a previously neglected or abused creature stopping on the trail to give you a hug, what better than that?” It makes your day.
Their life is in our hands.
