Emma, you are clearly a very busy person. How do you find time to devote to your activities within LAARF?
I treat the refuge as my social event of the week and meet up with my friends there. I do what I can from home as well, as there are a lot of jobs that don't require me to be on site. When you are determined, you find a way. A small commitment of time can and does have a massive impact.
What motivates you to volunteer?
I make promises to the refuge dogs and cats. I say to each one that I will do my best by them. Last year, one of my favourites, a nine-year-old Leonberger cross called Lou, died at the vet's, of a stomach torsion. He'd spent four years at the refuge. I'd just put together a video montage to show everyone what a great dog he was, but I was too late. I knew there and then that it wasn't acceptable to me to allow dogs to spend four years in limbo or for dogs to die without a home.
What’s your advice to anyone thinking of volunteering at their local refuge?
Stop putting it off. Stop thinking that it doesn’t matter if you don’t go. Stop worrying that your lack of French will hold you back. There are hundreds of things you can do if you can’t walk dogs or pet cats. So much happens behind the scenes that once you realise how much there is to do, you want to help out as best you can.
If you’d like to get involved, contact LAARF: Email: [email protected]; Web: www.laarf.com; Facebook – LAARF SPA Volunteer
Jane Hunt runs an advertising/communications agency in the Dorodogne. In her spare time Jane volunteers at her local dog and cat refuge and provides public relations and fundraising support to Hope Association and Twilight, the retirement home for older dogs.
Hamlet (top), Kittie (middle) and Jacques (bottom) would love to meet new volunteers for cuddles and walks!