Featured Volunteer
Sharon Haley
What AARCS Has to Say
A Few Words from the Volunteer
I was introduced to AARCS by my friend, Rita O'Leary after she adopted Jax and Pal and then became a volunteer for AARCS. She is such a special animal caregiver and helps AARCS in so many ways. One of her many projects was organizing sewing bees to make dog beds and I enjoyed helping out with them. Also, Miss Ellie and her 11 pups needed flea baths, so Rita had everything set up one evening for all of the volunteers to bathe them and keep them all warm and dry afterwards. The Dawn soap really took care of those jumping pests. As the pups got a bit older, I was able to go over in the afternoons and spend some time with them and do some clean-up. One snowy day, Laura, Rita and myself took all 11 and Miss Ellie to Copperfield for their shots. Their next step was to go to other fosters and then to their furever homes. I felt privileged to help out with them in a small way. I have been unable to foster yet myself, so I love being able to help with other fosters. One weekend, we looked after little Joey while Rita volunteered at a spay/neuter clinic. He was such a dear little pup. I would have loved to adopt him but with his knee problems, I was concerned our active dog would be too much for him even though he could run (hop) fast. I'll always remember the night he cried to go out, so in the middle of the night I went out with them. It was a warm night with a full moon and it was so quiet and bright. They ran and played and he ducked out of the way of Elektra under the patio furniture. Even though I was tired, I just enjoyed watching them play in the moonlight. Animals give us such moments of pure joy!
We have since adopted Scout who was being fostered by Deb. What an amazing, kind and loving foster mom she is! The two dogs love each other so much. They are about a year apart in age, and are both very playful and energetic. Chasing balls and playing tag at the CADF dog park that we belong to is such fun for them.
I attended the AARCS AGM and signed up as a member and had previously applied to be a volunteer. I have always loved animals and finding out about AARCS and what the wonderful volunteers do to rescue, care for, rehabilitate, love all of them unconditionally, especially the ones that require permanent care, and adopt the animals in their care to loving homes warms my heart. The recent mini spay/neuter clinics that AARCS organized where we were able to care for the dogs at Safehaven was a great experience. Knowing how many lives would be spared in the future from being unwanted and homeless was so gratifying. AARCS volunteers and all volunteers involved with the ASNTF have done an incredible job to assist the various First Nations communities. Rescues and surrenders are given a second chance to be loved and cared for.
I am thankful to AARCS for the opportunity to be a volunteer and for the amazing job that everyone does and for all of the furever homes that adopt these precious souls!!
