Story submitted by Vicki Wright, a Bobbi and the Strays volunteer.
My search for a new dog to bring into our family started online. Although our beloved Cody passed away only a few weeks prior, I certainly wasn’t ready for another dog, but looking online seemed safe enough. After putting in our zip code and type of dog, I found a lot of shelters that I was totally unaware of. The one that caught my eye was Bobbi and the Strays. Of course I liked the name, but after checking more into it, the story of the place itself was inspirational.
In the meantime I did some volunteer work with a local shelter as well as another animal rescue group, who does not have a shelter. I did enjoy my work with these organizations, but I felt something was missing. It just wasn’t a good fit.
Although we did not adopt our new dog from Bobbi’s, I kept checking the website for new dogs and upcoming events. I felt drawn to it somehow and that is when I became a fan of Bobbi and the Strays on Facebook. As a Fan, I saw a picture of the Alley Pond Park hike and contacted Laura about getting involved in it. I received an e-mail from Laura immediately stating how happy she was that I was interested in doing this. That was when it all started for me.
I met Laura and a few other ladies that following Sunday morning and was teamed up with Lennox. Before Laura brought him out she asked “can I handle a strong dog that pulls”? I thought to myself…hmm the dogs at the other shelter were pretty bad walkers, so sure I can. Ahhhh! Lennox………my first love. Even though he basically took me for a hike, I didn’t mind at all. During that hike I learned that the dogs sometimes go to training classes but at the moment there wasn’t anyone to take them. I was actually going to go to dog training school, so I jumped on the chance to take a dog. I took Lennox on Monday nights to Pawsative Dog Training. That was it, I was hooked. This was the place for me.
Vicki (2nd from Left) with Lennox at Alley Pond Park
I try and get to the shelter at least twice a week to walk, feed, and play with the dogs. It is the highlight of my week. I also have brought home several dogs for playdates with my dog. They love getting out of the shelter for the day and sleeping in a warm home. This is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
Vicki, her dog Murray and Bamboo at Vicki's house. Bamboo got to go home w Vicki for a playdate with Murray
I can’t say enough about Laura. She loves those dogs like crazy and is the nicest person I may have ever met. I realize that volunteering is about helping out the animals and the reward in that is unsurpassable, however, Laura is always there with a “Thank you”. She is so appreciative of everything that the volunteers do. I just want to thank Bobbi and the whole crew of workers for making us, the volunteers, want to do all we do.
Axle on a playdate with Vicki's dog Murray at Vicki's house. (see Murray's head!)
