Volunteer of the Month
Here are the Golden State German Shepherd Rescue Volunteers of the Month! We appreciate all of them for their tireless work.
Volunteer of the Month for May 2012 is Cathy Bollong!
My love for German Shepherds started with Kirtchen, a German Shepherd that we rescued from a divorce. He taught me how intelligent the breed was, and he showed me that with love, routine and obedience, these dogs can make amazing changes to belong in a loving home, regardless of their previous circumstances.
So that is why I'm so excited to do volunteer work with these amazing dogs and amazing people, that I have met in this group. I'm 65 years old, live with my husband in Wilton, CA, on five acres filled with two dogs and an old retired dressage horse (my other love). My two daughters are grown and on their own. Thank you so much for this honor.
Volunteer of the Month for April 2012 is Katie Takemura!
I began rescuing German Shepherds in 1996 because I lost my beloved dog, Buddy just after moving to Lodi from the Bay Area. The experience forced me to visit shelters all over the central valley and made me realize the overwhelming need to help homeless dogs facing euthanasia in shelters. After rescuing and re-homing some German Shepherds on my own, I met other volunteers who suggested I join Diablo Valley German Shepherd Rescue. Since then I have volunteered with San Francisco Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue and German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California, as well as Golden State German Shepherd Rescue, and over the past 15 years have been involved in a number of activities including evaluating and transporting dogs, fostering, adoption counseling, answering the hotline and handling a variety of adoption day duties.
One of the biggest rewards of volunteering with German Shepherd Rescue for me is watching the transformation of a homeless shelter dog into a valued member of a loving family. I have had the opportunity to see many dogs first hand at the shelter, and after receiving proper care, nutrition and training, blossom into wonderful, loving pets that give so much to their new families. The success stories are a constant reminder of the value of doing this kind of volunteer work.
I also appreciate the opportunities I have had to meet and develop friendships with many extraordinary people through volunteering with German Shepherd Rescue. The generosity and kindness given to homeless German Shepherds by volunteers, adopters, donors, shelter employees, veterinarians and their staff and companies like Pet Food Express and Robinson's Feed has been a real inspiration to me and I'm proud to be a member of the GSGSR community.
Volunteer of the Month for February 2012 is Darcy Clark!
I joined GSGSR as a devout volunteer in the fall of 2010 when I adopted Molly, a stray found by Camp 4 Paws staff in Clayton. As soon as I saw her on the website I knew she was the one for me! She’s an absolute love.
Thinking back on all the dogs I’ve had in my life I find it very interesting how, since the 1970’s, they’ve all been a GS mix or purebred. I actually didn’t have my first pure GS until 1997 when I adopted Jette (Jeanette) from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael. She was born at their facility through their breeding program with, unfortunately, hip dysplasia in both hips which automatically disqualified her from their program. But, being the wonderful organization that they are, Guide Dogs wouldn’t think of putting her down. Veterinarians donating their time and expertise performed the needed surgery on both hips and I was then allowed to adopt her at 9 months of age. When I met Jette for the first time she only had one hip “repaired”. The other hip was obviously defective but that didn’t stop her from bouncing towards me (as happy puppies do!) only to smother my face with kisses. That was a wonderful lesson in life! There was no doubt from that moment on that I would adopt her. She lived a very full life of 12 years and was a wonderful companion through some very rough years in my life. After Jette’s passing I knew I had to have another GS to fill the void, that there was one out there waiting for my love. And sure enough, thanks to GSGSR, I found her!
I can’t say enough about being a volunteer for GSGSR. To be involved with finding “forever homes” for these dogs in need is SO rewarding. To work alongside other selfless volunteers a few times each month at adoption days brings so much joy and happiness into my life. The feeling inside is so wonderful when you know you’re a part of making it all come together…putting happy, loving dogs with happy, loving people! Nothing makes me feel better than receiving that special kiss from each GS in need that says…“thank you”.
Volunteer of the Month for January 2012 is Seema Lohithakshan!
Seema says: "It is an honor to be a part of a group that selflessly devotes their time and energy into rescuing animals. I joined this group as I was impressed by their dedication and commitment to saving the lives of these helpless animals.
I got my first GSD in 1995, Stalin was 8 weeks old and was given to me by a friend in an effort to "convert me to a dog person" possibly because I wouldn't stop talking about my cats and kittens. Since my parents were looking for a dog, I took him home and since then I have not stopped talking about my dogs or cats. After I moved to North America I waited almost a decade to adopt a dog as it was never a good time or place. Bryan and I started visiting dogs at adoption days, animal shelters and the SPCA on a weekly basis to spend time with the dogs. Finally, at an adoption day in Walnut Creek, Bryan and I decided to foster GSD's. Our fourth foster Portia made us commit to her on day 3 with her sweet temperament and easy going nature.
At this point I help promote GSGSR by managing GSGSR facebook page and Rescue Me page, Bryan and I also work as fosters and adoption counselors. I truly believe that you can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."