A dog owner from Barnard Castle is urging others to join the volunteering team at Dogs Trust Darlington.
Gavin Booth has volunteered at the rehoming centre since October 2022, dedicating four hours a week to helping care for the dogs. Now, along with the staff, he is appealing to other local dog lovers to get involved and be a volunteer.
Gavin said: “After I adopted my dog Buddy from Dogs Trust Darlington nearly four years ago, I wanted to give something back, so I applied for a volunteer opportunity. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.
“Working with the dedicated staff and other volunteers is incredibly rewarding as we all work together to give the dogs the care, companionship and training they need to provide them with the best opportunity for success when adopted.
“Helping to look after a wide variety of breeds, of all shapes and sizes, is never dull. Then seeing them go to their forever homes makes me feel like I’ve contributed to each dog’s future, which is very rewarding. If you have a few free hours you’d like to fill, I would recommend volunteering, and it would be all the better if you do it with Dogs Trust.”
About 60 volunteers currently help with tasks such as gardening, transporting dogs to foster carers, dropping off food, supplies and medicines.
Volunteer co-ordinator Katherine Frank said: “Gavin has been volunteering for almost three years. Volunteering is a fantastic way to develop new skills, gain experience, and meet new friends. All that’s required is a positive attitude and a love of dogs.”
- To find out more, visit dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/roles or contact Ms Frank at [email protected].
