Every day at Houston Humane Society’s Animal Shelter we see selfless people doing compassionate deeds without expecting recognition or reward. Facilities workers who clean the kennels and wash bowls and blankets, the vet techs, adoption counselors, and client relations reps, to name a few.
Then there’s the volunteer dog walkers who aren’t paid for their services, but love our dogs so much, that they show up rain or shine, in freezing cold or sweltering heat. Janice, Gene, Kent…. Nothing fazes these volunteers: dog bites, discomfort, inconvenience. They are THAT dedicated!
People like Sandra Patton, who started volunteering right after Hurricane Katrina. Her commitment to dogs comes from growing up with a dog named Twig, who looked just like Lassie. “He was our neighborhood protector. Anytime we traveled, we took Twig,” Sandra said. “So, I always loved dogs.”
Asked why she makes the time for the dogs, Sandra replied, “It’s really my ME time. It’s peaceful—no problems, no complaining people, just me and the dogs. I get part of my daily exercise. Just interacting with the dogs—how excited they get when they see me - is rewarding. And seeing them get adopted into good homes.”
She and Debbie Kuty have been coming on Sundays since before the current building was built, probably 18 years, from 9 am until all the dogs are walked. Sandra retired in 2020 and now she also comes on Tuesday mornings.
Another faithful dog companion, Dawn York, has a full-time job as a respiratory therapist and works 12-hour shifts, yet comes here Wednesday one week and Monday and Friday the other.
Why? Dawn says, “I’ve always had rescue dogs growing up. My parents would take us to the local ‘pound’ and we would choose a dog as a family. My parents and grandparents were huge dog lovers so I guess I come by it naturally.”
After reading a story about the Houston Humane Society in The Houston Chronicle, mentioning volunteer opportunities, she decided to come check it out and signed up. “And here I am 16 years later. My job can be very stressful. I tell my friends and coworkers that HHS is my happy place."
Dawn continues: “I can walk dogs, clear my head and receive so much love from my furry four-legged friends. The dogs are all so happy. To go for walks or just sit outside and be loved on. To see their tails wag and to watch them run around, there’s nothing sweeter.”
Dog walking is just one of the special ways to contribute to Houston Humane Society. We are deeply grateful to the rock-solid commitment of these Unsung Heroes. Their kindness finds its way into the hearts of our dogs. Giving comes in various forms: time, talent or treasure.
Give us a call and let us know how YOU want to give. Because we need more Everyday Heroes like Linda, Jasmine, Mashonda, Scott, Kobe, Rowan, Ron and Carla to ensure Houston animals are safe and healthy.
Call Debbie Ortiz at 713-341-3334 and join the Heroes Squad to make significant changes in the lives of countless animals. It’s possible because of all of YOU! We look forward to hearing from you.