|
Our volunteers of the month for May are the wonderful husband and wife duo, Jackie and Jamie Hutchings. Jackie and Jamie got involved with Beagle Paws almost 14 years ago – when they fostered their first dog, Sweetie, in Sept 2005. As Jackie said, “We both loved dogs and had them as pets when we were growing up, but we didn’t think we were ready to adopt our own dog at that time, so fostering was the perfect compromise. Jamie saw a poster for Beagle Paws at the gym, and the rest is history.”
Since 2005, the Hutchings’ have fostered over 50 beagles (they took in #56 just a few weeks ago - wow!) and they have adopted 5 themselves. In addition to being foster parents, over the last few years Jackie and Jamie have gotten more involved in the foster program and various fundraising efforts. They help with foster applicant screening, home visits and assessments, and foster dog placements. As well, they’ve lent a hand with several of Beagle Paws’ online auctions, ticket sales and many other Beagle Paws events.
We asked Jackie what is her favourite part of helping with Beagle Paws, and she explained, “My favorite moments are when we finally see a foster dog that we have done a lot of work with, find their forever home. We have taken in many fosters that were in pretty rough shape – various health issues, very underweight, anxiety and fear issues, etc. It is so wonderful to help them get healthy and strong, to watch their personalities blossom, and then to see them adopted by loving families that are perfect matches for them. And I love it when we get to see our former fosters at various Beagle Paws events like the Beagle Meetups, and when their new families send updates and pictures.”
Thanks to Jamie and Jackie for all that you do! If you’re interested in joining the Beagle Paws volunteer team, visit the following page for further information: https://www.beaglepaws.com/volunteer
|
Are you in the Edmonton or Calgary area? Check out the Beagle Paws Calgary Facebook page for upcoming events! 