On Saturday, October 22, 2016, Arlington Animal Services hosted its 5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation event. This is a special year for Animal Services volunteers as the Arlington Citizen-Journal's "Best of the Best" contest recognized the animal shelter in three categories, "Best Place to Volunteer" and runner-up for "Best Customer Service" and "Best Place to Work."
Animal Services Manager Chris Huff announced that the shelter currently has more than 400 active volunteers. She presented awards to four groups for their outstanding efforts.
The first awards were given to the shelter's PetSmart Cats group, as well as their PetSmart Dogs mobile adoption unit. The unit has adopted out more than 500 dogs in the past year.
"Our PetSmart groups are among the most loyal of our volunteers," said Angelina Rayburn-Pigat, Volunteer Coordinator for Arlington Animal Services.
"PetSmart mobile adoption unit takes six to 10 dogs twice a month and usually all of the dogs are adopted. We also have cats on location at the Arlington Highlands and we have volunteers that go twice a day, every day, 365 days a year to care for them."
Charles Hollis, this year's Bill McCart Volunteer of the Year Award Winner
The next two awards were presented to each of the most prolific dog and cat foster homes. Volunteer Christine Boe was awarded for having found permanent, loving homes for 17 dogs. Likewise, volunteer Diane Greytak placed 70 cats in 2016.
Seven volunteers - Gina Piner, Larry Glover, Barbara Morris, Steven Kunkel, Mary Kunkel, Skyler Hanson, Charlie Hollis, and Sharan Lombardoo - were recognized for their dedication, having each clocked at least 200 hours in 2016.
12 volunteer coordinators were also recognized with gifts for their important roles. As explained by Animal Services Manager Chris Huff, the shelter and its dedicated family of volunteers have developed so many programs to help the animals that each program needs someone to oversee the operations of each faction. Thanks to the efforts of each of the 12 coordinators, the shelter is robust with programs to assist pet owners in various situations.
Finally, the esteemed "Bill McCart Award" was presented to one volunteer who not only volunteered more than 900 hours but also made a great impact in the culture of Arlington Animal Services with his presence. Recipient Charles Hollis also known to staff and volunteers as "Uncle Charlie" works in the shelter as a greeter and helps bring animals into meet and greets where they are presented to potential families.
Click here to see a complete Flickr gallery of photos from the 5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event.
If you are interested in volunteering with Arlington Animal Services, please contact Angie Rayburn-Pigat at [email protected], or call Angie at 817-459-6183.
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