We’re introducing our amazing volunteers who, on top of everything else they do, have agreed to share their volunteer stories with you. We hope you enjoy these mini-interviews and who knows, these wonderful people may inspire you (or someone you know) to sign up as a PEIHS volunteer today!
Linda Lynch
Linda Lynch
Why you volunteer: I enjoy working with the cats. I have always had a cat for a pet, and I lost one in the summer of 2009. She was a beautiful pet, and was 21 yrs +. We really missed her, so I thought volunteering would be good for me, and help to replace that void. That only lasted for 10 months as I have now adopted two cats from the Humane Society.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? I find it very rewarding, and I’m very impressed with the way the Humane Society is run. The animals are well taken care of, and all the staff are very dedicated. It is quite evident that all the staff are happy in their work.
Describe a unique or funny moment you experienced while volunteering/or what you feel is the best part of volunteering at the Shelter. The day Glen (another volunteer) was down flat out on his stomach on the floor of Kitty Corner playing with the kittens. One was on his back sleeping. (“That’s dedication”). The best part is knowing all the animals are fed properly and well taken care of, and every effort is taken to ensure they each get a good “furever” home.
Sarah Miller
Why you volunteer? I love animals! I grew up around all kinds of them and if I can help make their life here better I will!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? It’s a great experience, you meet new people and make new furry friends! Also, it looks great on a resume too!
Describe a unique or funny moment you experienced while volunteering/ or what you feel is the best part of volunteering at the Shelter. The best part of being a volunteer here is just getting to be around the animals and spending time with them!
Chris Bergeron
Chris opened his heart to help us care for the the animals and to pick up some important skills and experience as part of his plans to study veterinary medicine one day.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?
It’s a fun way to give back to your community, and you get to help out animals in need.
Describe a unique or funny moment you experienced while volunteering/ or what you feel is the best part of volunteering at the Shelter.
The best part is being able to help the animals out, it’s fun to do, and you get to play with dogs, which is pretty cool.
Melly P-Poisson
Melly joined the Shelter as part of her volunteer community work placement program with Katimavik.
Why do you volunteer?
First of all, I am an animal lover, and with katimavik we have to have a work placement where we volunteer for 35-40 hours a week, and I thought this was a good opportunity for me to work/volunteer around animals and help them!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?
To stop thinking about it and do it☺ At least give it a try. I think that volunteering is a good thing for everyone, and it makes people feel very useful!
Describe a unique or funny moment you experienced while volunteering/ or what you feel is the best part of volunteering at the Shelter.
I feel like that the best part of volunteering at the Shelter is that everything you do you know will help the animals to be healthy, well fed and to find a home. And that is a nice feeling to have when you volunteer here!
Meet Ashley Ellsworth
Ashley Ellsworth is a second year student at the Atlantic Veterinary College. She’s been fostering for the PEI Humane Society since last year and is pictured here with one of her current temporary house guests, Lucie the kitten.
Why do you volunteer?
As a future veterinarian , I feel a responsibility to do my best to support Shelters. I love cats and love helping relieve cat overcrowding at Shelters.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering as a foster parent?
It’s a wonderful and fulfilling way to give back to animals that need it the most.
Tell us about a unique or funny moment you experienced while volunteering/or what you feel is the best part of your volunteer experience?
One of my foster kittens loves getting his canned food in the morning- he waits by my pillow every morning so I get to wake up to his sweet face everyday ☺. If I decide to sleep in some days he readily & anxiously waits for me!
Introducing Madonna Morrison
Why you volunteer?
Originally I started volunteering to gain experience for vet school, but I quickly fell in love with the Shelter, the staff, and all the animals. Now I can’t imagine not being here on a regular basis.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering?
That the staff are the most wonderful people, and they always make you feel welcomed and appreciated. Being in the Shelter isn’t a sad experience, many of the animals are content with their current circumstances.
Describe a unique or funny moment you experienced while volunteering/or what you feel is the best part of volunteering at the Shelter?
When I first started volunteering I just wore sneakers, but soon found my feet getting soaked while walking dogs, so I decided to buy rubber boots. The first day after I bought the rubber boots I was asked to walk a young puppy named Shayna. As soon as we got outside Shayna became so excited that she started jumping up on my leg and peed all over my new boots. I was sure glad I had bought them!
Why do you volunteer?
I want to contribute to the community by helping lost animals who have no control over their destination and well being. It feels good to assist the Shelter Staff by helping with the feeding, cleaning and socialization of the animals so they can spend time assessing and tending to the health and welfare issues of the many animals they receive each and every day.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?
The Humane Society is a great place to have fun with the animals and meet new people. It is an extremely gratifying experience to see those adoption signs go up!
Describe a unique or funny moment you experienced while volunteering/ or what you feel is the best part of volunteering at the Shelter?
I’ve learned when you clean the Pegasus kitten room you’d better be prepared to be their personal climbing tree. As for the cats – your leg for a scratching post will do! They sure can make you smile! I help out with the cats and it is very important to me to give each cat some “out of cage time”, whether it’s petting & cuddling on my lap, playing with toys, letting them explore, or feeding them treats. I truly feel this helps make their day more enjoyable!
