“Seeing the lives of an owner and their dog open up is so rewarding.”
I have taken on many roles in my eight years as a volunteer with Our Special Friends (OSF)—dog and cat chauffeur, dog walker, visitor with my late dog, assessor, and office assistant. I have taken on whatever is needed, though I have not fostered yet. However, I did help another volunteer look after a little dog for several weeks.
I became a volunteer after attending a presentation given by Bin [Belinda Johnston, CEO of the charity] at my dog club in 2017. Since then, OSF has taken me in a very fulfilling new direction, and I have made some lovely new friends along the way. I certainly feel that I get back at least as much as I contribute.
I live in Barton Mills and, on average, volunteer for OSF for three to four hours toward the end of every week. This is after working for a local authority from Monday to Wednesday in a role that draws on my past experience as a police officer. For instance, safeguarding—knowledge of which is a requirement for OSF volunteers—is embedded in what my department does. Initially, I took my dog, Jack, to visit a lady in Newmarket who had dementia, but I soon started assisting the charity in other ways.
Sadly, both my husband and my dog passed away in 2022, so I had to step away from volunteering for a while. Loss like that does not go away—it walks alongside you, and life goes on. Since then, my most rewarding volunteer experience has been helping a client, Mike, with his dog, Teddy.
Mike was referred to OSF in late 2023 by his vet, as Teddy had not been walked outside for more than three years and was severely overweight. A Collie/Jack Russell Terrier cross, he weighed 17.6 kg, though his ideal weight should have been 12.5 kg. Various issues prevent Mike from leaving his home, so Teddy’s care was neglected.
When we met, Teddy had a growth on the side of his abdomen that needed to be removed, but first, he had to lose weight. I was the initial volunteer to start walking Teddy four times a week. Over time, we developed a ‘Team Teddy’ to ensure he was taken out almost every day, which allowed me to reduce my walks to two or three times a week. I continue to be one of his walkers and have also taken him to veterinary appointments and hydrotherapy sessions.
Within about a year, Teddy was down to 12.4 kg. His muscles improved, and he could manage much more than the ten-minute walks we began with. Unfortunately, he recently developed behavioural problems, possibly due to arthritis pain. He is now on a pain management program, which has helped him become more relaxed and less anxious.
Over this period, various support agencies have also helped Mike, including de-cluttering his home and clearing his garden until he found a gardener and cleaner. Both Mike and Teddy have benefited from being referred to OSF, and their lives have been enhanced by our relationship.
I have not replaced my Jack, but I enjoy contact with many other dogs.
