The Lori Kauffman Volunteer Of The Month Award

Bob Heath is the recipient of the October 2009 Lori Kauffman Volunteer of the Month Award

Congratulations to Bob Heath, our October Volunteer of the Month! Bob has volunteered in most areas of GRRA since he joined the group a little over 3 years ago. Bob found GRRA when he was looking for volunteer opportunities. He also found a stray golden retriever near him home and looked for a rescue organization. Through his search, he found GRRA!

Bob met Kim Goforth and began volunteering with GRRA's phone team. He then began fostering dogs and has fostered about 20 dogs. Bob has also been an adoption counselor and works on the intake team. He frequently travels as far away as Columbus, GA to pick up dogs to enter GRRA's program. Sometimes, he's unable to deliver the dogs to a vet or to Murphyville after he drives to get them, so they spend their first night in Bob's home. Bob estimates that at least 50 dogs have spent the night in his home!

Bob adopted the first dog he fostered, Teak. He then adopted Cupar, the 13th dog he fostered. Bob has his own plane, and both dogs enjoy flying with him. They are pictured to the right getting ready to take a trip! Bob's most memorable experience volunteering with GRRA is the first Rescue Romp he attended. Several dogs he had fostered recognized him and ran to him with their tails wagging. His favorite dog to foster was Missy. Missy's original owner tried to teach her to be a fighting dog, but that wasn't what Missy wanted. Bob remains in contact with Missy's family, and they send him pictures of her.

Fostering is Bob's favorite volunteer area because he gets to work directly with the dogs. He enjoys taking them to adoption days and telling prospective adopters about the dogs. All the areas Bob has volunteered in have been rewarding, and Bob thinks GRRA has something for everyone who's interested in volunteering regardless of the amount of time they may have to volunteer. There's never a dull moment volunteering for GRRA, and Bob says he learns something new everyday!

Thank you, Bob, for all you do for GRRA and the dogs!

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.