The Lori Kauffman Volunteer Of The Month Award

Suzanne Swacha is the recipient of the June 2009 Lori Kauffman Volunteer of the Month Award

Congratulations to Suzanne Swacha, our June Volunteer of the Month! Suzanne has been involved with GRRA™ for 10 years and she wanted to share her story in her own words.

"On Memorial Day weekend of 1999, we rescued an 18-month old Golden from a life of isolation in a backyard and named her Punkin. She was not housebroken or trained and as wild as could be (think Marley), but was so loveable and starving for attention. However during that first 48 hours I thought that maybe I made the biggest mistake of my life. How will we co-exist with this wild oaf of a dog? I saw a number for Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta™ and I thought, "Well, I don't know what this place is, but I have a Golden Retriever and I certainly need rescuing, so I will give them a call." As I spoke through my tears, the lady at the other end of the phone (GRRA™ voicemail) reassured me that Punkin would work out, and gave me comfort in knowing I had a place to turn. I decided to channel all that Golden energy into something other than her barreling through the house making my knick-knacks rattle, so Punkin and I took up running together. We ran 5-miles a day for 10 years. We worked on obedience and she went on to win the "Longest Sit & Stay" contest at the GRRA™ Rescue Romp. Now, at age 11, she and I still get out and enjoy a good walk on the park trails everyday.

Shortly after I spoke with the kind lady at GRRA™, I decided I also wanted to help the Goldens and their owners, so I became a voicemail volunteer. For 10 years now, I have been working the Monday, 1pm-6pm shift of voicemail. Over the years, I have had many long conversations with people who want to give up their Golden because of their wild or destructive behavior. Many times it is due to the owners not knowing that a Golden left alone outside is lonely and may resort to destructive behavior due to boredom. I've surprised countless people when I talk to them about how a dog as big as a Golden can learn house manners and live indoors. Some of the people changed their minds about giving up their dog and have been eager to give them a chance they never thought could be possible. It is rewarding to hear joy in their voices when they realize that they may be able to work things out with their Golden after all. Whether I am talking to people about adopting a Golden, referring them to intake, or talking with them about the option of keeping their Golden with a life indoors and a little training, I like to think I'm offering second chances."

Thank you, Suzanne, for all of your years of dedication!

Lori Kauffman, who passed away in 2007, was a GRRA™ volunteer who wanted to ensure that GRRA™ continued to do its valuable work. Lori wanted people to know, "Dogs are not disposable. Having a dog is a lifelong commitment. They are an equal part of the family".

If you are aware of a volunteer's efforts that exemplify what is needed to make our volunteer organization survive and thrive, please send a note to volunteer@grra.com. Monthly Nominations are due by the 17th of each month. Click here to see previous award winners.