With so many great organizations to support, why did you choose to volunteer with Living Grace Canine Ranch?

LGCR’s Mission, Vision, and Values are near and dear to my heart and soul because I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was young. However, I ended up in a 37 year nursing career with pediatrics and newborns.

Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you during your volunteer experience?

There are actually two instances that stand out in my memory. The first was when a group of volunteers showed up on a Saturday and hand shoveled many piles of mulch to build the doodleville play yards. We worked all day long to provide a play yard for the residents, one of the first play yards of many to come.

The second was the night of a bad storm where the ranch literally flooded. Rhonda was there alone with a resident in hospice. I explained to my husband that we had to go help and that “No” was not an answer. We arrived to find several inches of water in the bunkhouse where we helped squeegee out much of the water. Many improvements have been made since that scary night that washed out the bridges.

Is there an achievement or contribution that you contributed to of which you are most proud?

When I was working for Hospital Corporation of America, they donated money to volunteers that logged their hours. For three years I was able to share that directly with Living Grace Canine Ranch.

How has being a Living Grace Canine Ranch volunteer changed you?

Volunteering at LGCR reminds me daily of the love that resides there and the hope that it provides.

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?

My husband and I are headed to Australia, New Zealand, and Greece in 2025. I would also love to go to Switzerland and Japan.