Two Volunteers Receive Animal Services’ 2018 Bill McCart Volunteer of the Year Award
Arlington Animal Services volunteers are amazing! Altogether, nearly 300 active volunteers devoted 15,576 hours of lifesaving service helping homeless shelter animals over the past year. These remarkable volunteers, the lifeline of shelter operations, were recognized at a recent Volunteer Appreciation celebration.
Animal Services is excited to announce two recipients of the Bill McCart Volunteer of the Year Award for 2018 - Janie Nelson and Sharan Lombardo! Both exceptionally dedicated volunteers prompted an unprecedented naming of two - as both ladies receive the honors of being named "Volunteer of the Year" for Animal Services at the Volunteer Appreciation event.
When these volunteers were asked what they enjoy most about volunteering, here were their responses:
"The chance to make a difference in a pet's life or a chance for their future." - Janie Nelson, Volunteer since September 2011
"Being a wife and a mom, I am always doing for others. Helping out at the shelter is something that I do for me. I enjoy helping animals that can't help themselves." - Sharan Lombardo, Volunteer since January 2015
The Dog Socialization Program at Animal Services, inspired by Nelson and Lombardo, helps increase the adoptability of shelter animals. As dogs enter the shelter, unfamiliar with their surroundings, the program helps them feel more at home by providing added human interaction. As of October 2018, about 250 dogs have participated in the program, where they receive special one-on-one time experiencing human contact and affection from a shelter volunteer, walking on a leash, enjoying the play yard and agility course, with an opportunity to show his or her obedience level and true personality. The program has resulted in 152 of the dogs participating being adopted, and 77 going to rescue.
Volunteer Margaret McClure was in attendance at the celebration and she and husband Dennis McClure were recognized for their generous $10,000 donation to Arlington Animal Alliance, a new nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless pets brought to the shelter.
See the list of Award recipients and photos from this year's Volunteer Appreciation event.
Animal Services Volunteers are a perfect example of wonderful people performing ongoing Acts of Kindnessthrough their spirit of volunteerism in The American Dream City. Each volunteer is greatly appreciated for making a difference in the lives of the homeless pet population.
For more information about volunteering, contact Administrative Coordinator Michelle Patchett at [email protected], or call Michelle at 817-459-6183.
Animal Services, News