*OUR VOLUNTEERS*

Have you thought about volunteering? Let a few of our crew tell you why you should start today....!

 

Below, meet some very special volunteers, who everyday, make a difference in the time they give to Pet Refuge.

                

     Michelle with Buddy                                          Amber with Inga

                                       

Michelle & Amber have both been with the Pet Refuge, dog department, for 7 years now!  They started cleaning on a regular, weekly shift together, and have been friends ever since.   Michelle first learned about Pet Refuge through a neighbor that volunteered with us in the office.  She told her that the shelter needed help, so Michelle started helping to clean for the shelter dogs.  When asked, what kept her coming back all of these years, she said that the "reasons are just too numerous".  However, she said that the time she spends with the dogs is very "soul nurturing" and "they need us".

Amber came to Pet Refuge after hearing an ad on the radio that we needed help.  She  helps on several weekly cleaning shifts.  When asked what kept her coming back, she said that "they are like my family and you can't walk away from your family".  Amber also helps with the cat department and fosters cats when needed. Because of Amber's love of animals, she has since started a pet-sitting business and you can contact her at www.AmbersPamperedPets.com for more info.

I have walked through the dog areas many times when these two gals have been cleaning and the love that they show the dogs is hard to describe.  I smile as I walk by when Michelle is talking to each of the dogs as she cleans away - no one is left out.

The dogs of Pet Refuge are very lucky to have these two gals!

 

~In loving memory of Lowell Tom~

The Pet Refuge family, especially the dog department, will miss Lowell very much.  He spent many years coming in on a weekly cleaning shift to take care of the shelter dogs.  He was known as a very kind and quiet man who would make sure that each dog, including our office cat Alex, received a scratch behind the ear.  He found a favorite dog, Lacey, who resided in his home for many years.  She is back with Pet Refuge.  Lowell, do not worry, we will take very good care of her just as you did.  We were proud to have you as a part of our organization.

~In loving memory of Kim Pickell~

 

 

 

 

You were loved and touched more lives than you will ever know.  The memories of you are now in our hearts and a great loss felt by the Pet Refuge family and especially the dog department, and all that knew you.

Kim started volunteering with Pet Refuge in the early summer of 2002.  She started as a cleaning volunteer, with her daughter Kristy, and they came in to take care of the dogs that stay at our shelter.  Her son, Kelly, had also started volunteering a few months earlier.  She took home her first foster dog, Brewster in October of 2002.   He was in bad shape when he came to us.  In late November, she adopted him!  She continued to foster but yet another dog tugged at her heart.  Quinn was her next adopted dog that she fostered in 2003.  Kim helped Pet Refuge with fundraising events and dog adoption events and all while still continuing to clean on her weekly cleaning shift and fostering dogs.  You may have even talked to her on the phone as she helped with our adoption follow-up program by calling on dogs after they were adopted to see how they were doing in their new homes.

Her compassion and true love for animals was felt by every dog she came in contact with. Kim, we know your rescue work is not over - not even in heaven.  For there, we know, you will be waiting to welcome more dogs and be there to take care of them.

~In loving memory of Mr. Maurie Whiteman~

   

A special tribute to Mr. Maurie Whiteman who passed away early November of 2007.  His love of Pet Refuge will always be treasured and remembered.  He, along with his wife, Nancy, fostered many puppies throughout the years, until their forever homes could be found.  He was always there to help purchase items that were needed around the shelter and was a frequent flyer at Menards!  His jokes would always put a smile on your face.  His big heart has touched the lives of many volunteers, cats and dogs.