Tag: animal rescue

Volunteer Spotlight | Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue

Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest difference.

When Amy first began volunteering with Labradors and Friends in 2019, she wasn’t looking for a major commitment. She and her husband, Brian, had recently lost their beloved dog, and spending time with rescue dogs seemed like a way to heal their hearts while giving back.

She started by walking dogs in boarding.

Seven years later, Amy’s volunteer journey has touched countless lives, including dogs who needed patience, medical care, a temporary home, or simply someone willing to sit beside them.

From Dog Walks to Second Chances

As Amy spent more time volunteering, her role grew. She began helping with intake assessments, dog-to-dog introductions, adoption meet-and-greets, and training new volunteers.

She also opened her home to foster dogs, including those with medical needs and those nearing the end of their lives.

But some of her most meaningful moments came from helping frightened dogs learn to trust again.

Josie was so scared that volunteers couldn’t even put a collar on her. After two days of trying, Amy discovered the key: letting Josie watch another dog enjoy training games. Suddenly, Josie wanted to participate, too.

Deejay needed a different approach. He was too frightened to accept a harness until Amy began singing to him. Her voice helped him relax enough to ask for affection and eventually let her clip on his harness.

Sometimes, a breakthrough doesn’t require anything extraordinary. Just patience, understanding, and a willingness to try something different.

Seven Precious Months with Kenji

One dog will always hold a special place in Amy’s heart.

Kenji arrived at Labradors and Friends in September 2022. A few months later, Amy and Brian noticed his leg was swollen during an outing. Veterinary testing revealed lymphoma.

When the rescue began searching for a hospice foster, they welcomed Kenji into their home right away.

He became a beloved member of their family, surrounded by love and comfort. They even celebrated his birthday with fellow rescue volunteers.

Amy and Brian originally thought they would have only a few weeks with Kenji. But as Amy recalls:

“We thought he’d live only a few weeks, but he thrived for almost seven months and became a true part of the family.”

What began as an act of compassion became seven precious months of love, laughter, and memories Amy and Brian will carry forever.

Understanding the Dog Behind the Behavior

What began as a way to heal after losing her beloved dog became something much bigger for Amy. Through rescue, she found close friendships, a deeper understanding of dog behavior, and a purpose that continued long after she welcomed another dog into her family.

But perhaps the most important lesson came from the dogs themselves.

“I want people to understand that rescue dogs are not broken, and they are not any less worthy of a home than a puppy.”

Amy has spent years working with dogs in boarding facilities, where the stress of kennel life can bring out behaviors that don’t reflect who a dog truly is.

Some are frightened and withdrawn. Others are overly excited, jumping, mouthing, or pulling on the leash. Behind those behaviors is often a dog who simply needs patience, understanding, and a chance to decompress.

Amy remembers something she once heard from a dog behavior professional:

“They aren’t giving you a hard time; they’re having a hard time.”

It’s a lesson she now shares with new volunteers.

Rescue isn’t always easy, and Amy doesn’t pretend otherwise. There are heartbreaking losses, frightened dogs, and adoptions that don’t work out. But when asked what keeps her coming back, her answer was simple:

“What keeps me coming back is that there is always another dog who needs you. The simplest acts of kindness can make a dog’s day. Sometimes even just sitting quietly with them is all that they need.”

And that may be the greatest lesson of Amy’s volunteer journey: You don’t always have to change a dog’s entire world in one day. Sometimes, you just have to make that day a little better.

You Don’t Have to Do Everything to Make a Difference

For anyone thinking about volunteering, Amy has a simple message:

“If someone is considering becoming a rescue volunteer, I’d tell them that it will be more rewarding than they expect.”

She knows rescue can be hard work, filled with dirt, scratches, and heartache. But she also knows how much even the smallest commitment can mean.

“Walking dogs a few times a month may not sound like much, but it makes all the difference to those dogs. Whatever time you can give is a gift to the dogs and to the rescue.”

Because sometimes, changing a life starts with something as simple as showing up.

Because sometimes, changing a life starts with something as simple as showing up.

Thank you, Amy, for seven years of compassion, patience, and dedication — and for reminding us that every dog deserves to be understood, loved, and given a chance.

Want to make a difference? Become a Labradors and Friends volunteer.