Ever wonder how a dog rescue runs when it’s 100% volunteer? It’s all because of our amazing volunteers! This volunteer spotlight, we chatted with Stacy, one of our long-time volunteers in Orange County.

Born and raised in LA, this southern California girl is all about dogs and has a heart of gold. Stacy lives in OC with her loving husband Warren and her furry baby Harlow, whom she adopted from Labradors and Friends last year. A proud momma of two grown-up kids and a loving mom-in-law, this kind-hearted, beautiful lady chats with us today about her life and volunteer work with Labradors and Friends.

L&F: Hi Stacy, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Stacy: I worked as a Deputy Probation Counselor for 16 years. My job was working with juvenile delinquents of ages ranging from 11 to 18, counseling them to encourage and make changes to their existing way of life. My job was all about working with children and young adults. At times it was a little challenging, as you want these kids to change, thrive, and have a better life. But they usually go back to the same environment and resist to change unless they really want to. Anyway, after 16 years of service, I retired from my job to raise my children, as they were young adults at that time and needed me more. We decided to give our full attention to raising them well at that hard age.

L&F: How did you get started with L&F?
Stacy: When I retired from my full-time job, I had more time on my hands than before, so I started volunteering at the OC animal shelter and continued to do so for 4 years. Not to upset anyone, but at that time they were putting a lot of dogs to sleep and it was frustrating. Then someone at the shelter mentioned about Labradors and Friends rescue and how it would be a great fit for me, as these animals are all rescued and just waiting to go home. It just felt right to help this wonderful organization, and it has been 4.5 years of volunteering with Labs and Friends. I couldn’t be happier helping this amazing rescue organization.

L&F: What is your role with L&F?
Stacy: I am a walking facilitator for L&F. Everyday I am there from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the boarding facilities, rain or shine, all 7 days a week. I figure out who is coming that day to walk the dogs and match the people to the dogs. After I pull the dogs from the kennels in the back, we all start walking at the same time. We call it the “pack walk.” We take each dog for about 45 mins to 1 hr. We have a group of 20 wonderful volunteers devoted to walking these dogs. Any given day at least 4 people show up for daily pack walks, and during weekends the attendance is a little higher. In addition to being the walking facilitator, I also help with meet & greets at the boarding facilities, vet runs, and administering nonprescription meds. Prescription meds are usually administered by the people at the boarding facility.

L&F: What is the most rewarding and difficult part of your job?
Stacy: Well, it is very rewarding to watch these dogs find a loving home. And sometimes the dogs come to our rescue with severe medical issues like cancer, congestive heart failure where they had to be put to sleep. It is very sad and difficult when that happens. But most of the time it’s a happy story.

L&F: What does volunteering mean to you?
Stacy: It means everything. Ever since I was 15, I have volunteered whenever I could. Later, when I had kids, I volunteered at their school events. And now I am so happy to be helping these dogs get out of their kennels and get their daily exercise. When I wake up every morning, I know I don’t have to, but I choose to go to the boarding facilities to walk the dogs, because these dogs are getting out of their kennels only when we get them out. So rain or shine I show up every single day and hope for more people to show up. You are only as good as the people who support you. I would like to take this opportunity and give a big shout out to all my volunteer friends with big hearts who help these dogs. I couldn’t have done all this and continue to serve without all you wonderful souls by my side.

L&F: That’s wonderful!! Do you also help any other rescue organizations?
Stacy: Yes I do. In addition to Labs & Friends, I also help German Shepherd Rescue, Barks of Love, Wish for Animals at Dana Point. I pretty much help the other rescues in the same way as L&F.

L&F: What are your hobbies and interests other than volunteering?
Stacy: [a big hearty laugh] O Boy!! You caught me off-guard. I guess dogs are my interests and helping them is my passion. I love dogs and get very attached to them. That’s the reason I don’t choose to foster, as I know I would be a foster failure. But I like to bring them home for a day away from the shelter, organize park lunches with dogs, or just drive them around to a bunch of parks around the area with a bunch of my volunteer friends.

L&F: Before we conclude this interview, tell us a little about your family.
Stacy: I live in Villa Park, OC, with my loving husband Warren. We have two beautiful children. Our elder son got married recently. Both my son and daughter love dogs, so we got them Yorkie puppies when they were young. Sadly, we lost the two dogs to old age last year. They both passed within the same week and it was a very hard time for us. Being surrounded with the friends from pack walk group helped me to heal and coming to these loving furry babies everyday, helping them walk did help considerably. This year we adopted Harlow, a rescue from L&F, and couldn’t be any happier. We love our Harlow.

L&F: On behalf of L&F, we would like to thank you for your service and support. We appreciate you and are so grateful that you are part of the L&F family.
Stacy: [a warm laugh] That’s good to know. Sometimes you know you just do your thing and leave. It’s nice to be noticed and acknowledged. Thank you!!