50/50 RAFFLE:
SAVING THEIR LIVES
I have been volunteering with Jason for 6 years now… so I’ve seen a lot. My favorite part is making a difference in the lives of all these beautiful souls, who have been let down in the past. They come in lost, confused, scared, and just broken(mentally and/or physically). They have a way of blossoming as they learn to trust, love, grow, and just dog that makes my heart smile. When I’m having a rough day they always find a way to make me laugh!!
I started volunteering at the shelter over 5 years ago and am a senior volunteer. I was going through a rough time in my life and needed a distraction. That’s when I found the dogs. It is my therapy to be with them. I have helped a lot of dogs find their forever homes. I have 2 that I had rescued from HHPP that were Heartworm Positive. I enjoy being with the dogs and helping them since they have no voice.
In 2021, after losing my therapy dog Shelby, I never thought I could replace her. I began volunteering for HHPP, transporting dogs to the vet, and instantly fell in love with shelter dogs. On my first day, Jason asked what type of dog I was interested in. I said I just wanted to volunteer, but he had me walk Loki, a bullie breed. The next day, I brought Loki home, and she’s been with me ever since. Jason knew exactly what would be a good fit for my lifestyle.
Since then, I’ve fostered several dogs and become a full-time volunteer, helping with dog walking, cleaning, and events. I’m now the foster and adoption coordinator, working mostly from home due to medical issues. I love these animals like my own until they find their forever homes. I’m proud to be part of HHPP and available to help at any time via phone, text, or email.
I started volunteering at HHPP when the new facility opened March 2024.
People volunteer for different reasons. My reason was my love of dogs and the realization that giving back is more rewarding than receiving.
I have met some wonderful dogs and inspiring people. Most of the volunteers really did not know what they were getting into but the rewards have been vast. We have seen lost, broken dogs heal and thrive. We have taken in hundreds of dogs and found loving homes for so many of them. We have made lifelong friends that feel more like family.
One of my favorites at the shelter was a big brindle pit mix named Mariah. She had been tied to a bench at a Dollar General store. She was taken to HHPP about 2 years ago. For some reason, she kept getting looked over. When I started at the shelter, she was one of the first dogs that I walked. She was gentle and calm and would stare into your soul. I decided to enroll her in our 6-week training course. Jason warned me that she was dog-reactive, but I went ahead anyway. And Jason was right. It was a struggle, but she gained confidence every week and learned that it was a safe place to be.
When training was over, I started taking her on outings, to parks and around town. I wanted people to see her and to hopefully find her a home. A few weeks later I had a meet at the shelter with a sweet lady that was looking at another dog. That dog was too energetic, and she just wasn’t feeling a connection.
I took a chance and told her about Mariah. I was gushing because I was proud of her and wanted a home for her in the worst way. When Dawn met her, I could see that she saw the same potential in Mariah. Dawn took Mariah home and they were best friends immediately. She sends me photos every now and then and it fills my heart again.
Volunteering is rewarding, challenging, and can sometimes be tiring, but it is all worth it.
I am new to the shelter, starting in November 2024. I had been following the shelter as it came together and when I saw that they were asking for help I knew I had to sign up. It has been such a rewarding experience. I have met dogs that totally stole my heart and to see them get adopted is the best part of all. Each week when I show up I look forward to seeing my fav’s and getting them out for some fresh air. You definitely experience sadness but find comfort in knowing you’re doing what you can by showing up for them. We are their voice!
I am writing to you to share a passion that has grown near and dear to me. There is a special place in my heart for animals in need of love, care, and rescue. In January of 2024, I started volunteering at the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project (HHPP) new animal shelter in warren. I have done everything at the shelter from cleaning kennels, laundry, transport to vet appointments, to shuttling dogs. I always look forward to seeing two of my favorites at the shelter, Ben, and Tangerine. They are the sweetest and always get a little extra attention from me. As my most favorite part of volunteering, I found my girl, Foxie. I am considered a “Volunteer Fail” and glad I went in that day. Not much is known of her story, other than that she was found in Warren on Federal Street as a stray, and that she was less than a year old. She is the sweetest, funniest dog and is part of our family.
Join us in making a difference- Every act of kindness counts!!
