The Lori Kauffman Volunteer Of The Month Award

Mary Kay Cavanaugh is the recipient of the June 2010 Lori Kauffman Volunteer of the Month Award

Congratulations to Mary Kay Cavanaugh, our June Volunteer of the Month! Mary Kay was nominated not only for her continuous fostering for GRRA, but for her dedication to two dogs in particular - Jude and Corbett - both challenging in their own ways and both now in their forever homes.

"Jude was with me for 9 months with severe allergies," she explained, "and Corbett felt it was his duty to protect, so he was possessive of me, but he really was a sweet dog." After several months with her, she says Corbett is now protecting his forever family's children from breaking curfew by "alerting" mom and dad!

Mary Kay has been involved with GRRA for about three years. She was looking for volunteer opportunities, and since she has a Golden, she felt like it was a perfect match for her. She said she was shocked at how much need there is for this breed because "they are the best dogs!" When she tells people she volunteers with GRRA, they, too are shocked, but she gives credit to all involved and to those families who call on GRRA when they can no longer keep their own Goldens.

In lieu of adopting another dog, she prefers to foster. She enjoys the fostering aspect because Hannah, her 5½ year old, takes over the duties. "She does most of the work, spending time with and playing with the foster dogs," she says. "She's like the big sister." But when the foster playmates find homes, Hannah eventually gets bored with just mom and lets her know she's ready for company again. Mary Kay is okay with that because she enjoys the many updates she gets from the families of her previous fosters. "I absolutely love when I get updates, like Jasper who found the family's lost cat and another note that told me how the family's daughter drew a picture welcoming the new dog into their home." She receives many wonderful stories about the unconditional love these dogs are giving to their new families. And Mary Kay's unconditional love and dedication plays a big role in giving these dogs that second chance to meet those forever families.

Thank you, Mary Kay, for all you do for GRRA!

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.