I have been a volunteer for MABTR since October 2010. I adopted my first Boston through the rescue. She was a puppy mill mama in Missouri, fostered in Omaha, and transported to me in Colorado. I was fascinated with how Jennifer could work out all the details with volunteers across 13 states to get the dogs into foster care, to vet appointments, transported to other states, etc. That made me want to learn more about the rescue.
I serve in the capacity of Colorado Event Coordinator. I enjoy working with Jennifer. She gives me the freedom to try new things and do events the way I want but she is also a wonderful support when I need it. Plus, events are a creative outlet for me.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a huge love of animals (especially dogs) and a heart for service. I was looking for a way to combine those things but hadn’t found a place that was a good fit until MABTR.
MABTR feels like a family to me. I chose to volunteer as the event coordinator because I enjoy planning events and fostering wasn’t an option for me.
Sometimes volunteering can be challenging since I work full time and have a house and dogs of my own to take care of, but I get motivation in knowing that I’m helping raise funds for dogs’ medical care. Medical care is MABTR’s largest expense.
My favorite part about volunteering for MABTR is the friendships I’ve made, the dogs I’ve met and knowing I’m helping raise much needed funds so we can save more dogs.
Since my role with MABTR is different (then say fostering) I have different challenges. My challenges are getting enough volunteers to work events, working with a limited budget, planning events that people will enjoy and attend, getting the word out on the events. Our new email system has some limitations.
I would encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering to give it a try.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with my day-to-day responsibilities and don’t know how I’m going to fit in volunteering. But I’m always happy I made the time. I get so much more out of volunteering than I put in.
P.S. Charlie’s face always looks grumpy. It wasn’t that he had to have his picture taken with me.
Hope’s favorite thing in the whole world is a ball.
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