Debbie's story

Debbie Eddie has been a weekend volunteer dog walker at Lincoln Farm since 2002. She saw an article in the local paper about a dog needing a home. As it turned out the dog wasn't the right one, but on that first visit to Lincoln Farm she saw a plea for dog walkers, and has been with us ever since, come rain or shine! "I love it" says Debbie

Debbie is also responsible for undertaking home checks in the Bournemouth and Poole area. "This is an important and very rewarding part of the job for me, especially when you see you have the right dog in the right home." She also gets involved in other events whenever she can, like the dog show, sponsored walks (which she loves as she can be re-united with some old doggy friends and their owners) and collecting food donations. "I am always on the look out for ways in which I can help even more. All my family and friends are aware of the work I do at the sanctuary and are constantly on the look out for blankets, towels, etc which are always in demand."

We asked Debbie why she would recommend being a volunteer. "The dogs are so appreciative and the expressions on their faces are just so amazing. You cannot help but be moved by the helpless position some of the dogs find themselves in, through no fault of their own. These dogs can never have too much time spent on them, they love company and the extra walk or two a day they get form volunteers means so much to them. You will derive a great sense of personal satisfaction too so come and try it out as I did. You won't regret it!"

.

"I became actively involved with Margaret Green Animal Rescue last year, after adopting a lovely collie from Lincoln Farm. Appreciating the hard work and dedication shown by the staff, I decided to become a volunteer.

I have always felt passionate about the care and well being of animals and working part-time hours in a school, meant that I had some free-time to offer. Unusually perhaps, rather than working hands-on with the animals, it was decided that my previous administrative experience could be put to good use. I therefore started helping out in the office at Church Knowle.

My duties have been varied, from inputting data onto a database, to producing signage for fund raising events such as the annual Companion Dog Show and Family Fun day.

The Church Knowle staff are always friendly and welcoming and when I leave each week, it is with a sense of achievement, knowing that I have helped the animals in their care in some small way.

Despite best advice “never work with children or animals” I have so far managed, in a roundabout way, to work with both simultaneously and I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it! I would wholeheartedly recommend becoming a volunteer to anyone who is able."