Our Spotlight Volunteer this season is Connie Cope! Talk about going above and beyond - Connie's latest foster dog was with her for eight months! In addition to being a foster extraordinaire, Connie also volunteers wherever she is needed, including the Transportation, Fundraising and Adoption teams. We sat down with Connie to learn more about her experience volunteering for TGRR.
How did you learn about getting involved? I first learned of TGRR when I took my grandpuppy to an event at Oak Ridge Park several years ago. My grandpuppy (a Golden) who I had helped raise for her first 4 years and who was my savior after I became an empty nester was the inspiration to commit to volunteering for TGRR at some point in the future.
Why did you choose to get involved? I had been volunteering for Hiking Hounds, a dog walking group associated with the Forsyth Humane Society, for a few years and saw how volunteering could make a difference for rescue dogs. And it is a tribute to all the extremely awesome dogs that I have had in my life. My time to volunteer for TGRR came last year after I was able to semi-retire and had the time that I wanted to devote to TGRR.
What has been the most rewarding part of being with TGRR? Honestly every experience with TGRR is rewarding.
Any specific stories stand out in your mind? I would guess that the story that everyone has heard numerous times is about Gunner the escape artist. The first time that I left him for any length of time I gave him anti-anxiety medicine and put him in an XL wire crate with a cone of shame on due to his neuter. Three hours later when I returned he met me at the door with the cone still in place and undamaged. He was not injured and neither was the house, and the crate door was still locked. I can only guess that he used his sizable rear end to pop the catches on the crate (they were unlatched on one corner) and backed out of the crate. Needless to say that answered the question about whether he could be crated.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer with TGRR? I would tell anyone who is interested in volunteering that they will get much more from the experience than they will give. The thankful look of love that a rescued dog gives you has no equal.
What has been the most rewarding part of being with TGRR? Honestly every experience with TGRR is rewarding.
Any specific stories stand out in your mind? I would guess that the story that everyone has heard numerous times is about Gunner the escape artist. The first time that I left him for any length of time I gave him anti-anxiety medicine and put him in an XL wire crate with a cone of shame on due to his neuter. Three hours later when I returned he met me at the door with the cone still in place and undamaged. He was not injured and neither was the house, and the crate door was still locked. I can only guess that he used his sizable rear end to pop the catches on the crate (they were unlatched on one corner) and backed out of the crate. Needless to say that answered the question about whether he could be crated.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer with TGRR? I would tell anyone who is interested in volunteering that they will get much more from the experience than they will give. The thankful look of love that a rescued dog gives you has no equal.
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