The “exceptional” volunteer is a lucky charm for the dog who has been looking for a home for two years

One of Dogs Trust Kenilworth’s volunteers has been recognized for his “outstanding” service. To mark Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June), the work and commitment of Debs Shaw has been highlighted.

Debs has done more than that to support the rehoming center since joining its team in September 2022. After adopting her own puppy Dennis from Dogs Trust in 2016, Debs’ volunteering journey began when she joined as kennel nurse, helping the charity by doing laundry. , washing bowls and toys, preparing food and spending time with new dogs to get to know them and settle in before finding new homes.

But Deb’s enthusiasm doesn’t stop there, her commitment to the center and seriousness as a volunteer has allowed her to receive training to care for dogs at the rehoming center who need a little more support. These dogs are often ‘Underdogs’, the name given to those dogs who have spent more than six months in the charity’s care and may need extra help with health or behavioral issues.

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Debs’ support in this role has helped staff throughout the center and her volunteering has directly supported the rehoming of a number of dogs, including a Border Collie called Melba and a crossbreed called Buster. As a “good luck charm,” Debs has now become best buddies with Yogi Bear, a Presa Canario who has been working at the center for over 800 days and is looking for a home.

She also supports the Home at Home team, who look after volunteer foster carers who provide temporary homes for dogs in the charity’s care. Debs helps foster carers get all the support they need, always being just a phone call away.

Amy Hayes, Volunteer Coordinator at Dogs Trust Kenilworth said: “Having an outstanding volunteer like Debs has been invaluable to our team. We are incredibly grateful to Debs and all of our volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to help the dogs in our care.

“It’s amazing to see volunteers go above and beyond for our team and the dogs we care for.”

Volunteers’ Week allows charities such as Dogs Trust to celebrate the dedication of those who give their time for free. To find out more about Dogs Trust Kenilworth visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/kenilworth.

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