Volunteer Spotlight

Chris

Chris did temporary volunteer work at Circle Tail both with Scouting service projects and P&G community service efforts before retiring in 2018. Chris says:

As I approached retirement, Circle Tail was high on my list for ‘encore’ engagement in my local community. I’ve worked with dogs for my entire adult life. My very first partnership with a Black Lab began when I met my companion, Baron. He was with me for almost 15 years, and I dedicated my Ph.D. thesis to him for his service as my “therapy” dog.

My first “official” shift as a Circle Tail volunteer was on January 19, 2019. On that day, I began my training as a volunteer handler. One of my earliest interactions with puppy socialization visits involved a Maui litter including Kula. Since then, I have logged over 600 shifts either on site, or at various off-site events and transports. These range from 2-hour shifts to all-day transport trips. As a transporter, I have made 20 long-distance trips moving pups or adult dogs, with total mileage of over 8660 miles. I’ve moved 40 adult dogs and pups to and from Circle Tail in those trips. Some have been quiet; others, not so much.

In the 3.5 years I’ve now spent as a regular Circle Tail volunteer, I couldn’t be happier with the opportunity. More than anything else, I have a true sense of making a meaningful contribution to the development of these dogs and their relationship with their human clients. I also have established valued friendships with some amazing folks, deeply committed to this cause. As a volunteer, I have felt embraced and valued as part of this mission. I look forward to my visits each day I come to campus. The play with the puppies is a whole lot of fun. I also appreciate opportunities to handle older dogs as “ambassadors” for the organization in the community. Watching these pups emerge as committed companions to their human partners is a rewarding experience. I leave with a smile on my face every time I visit.”