volunteer spotlight
Sandy Goodrich & Sadie
CONGRATULATIONS to Sandy Goodrich and Sadie! At our CAREing Paws Quarterly meeting on Saturday, Sandy was recognized for the Volunteer in the Spotlight Award! Despite a global pandemic, Sandy has been instrumental in helping us to keep kids reading by sharing her time, talents, and expertise of the Reading A to Z tool. We've been able to use this in our online READing programs via Zoom and as a result, stay true to the principles of the R.E.A.D. program. In addition, Sandy helped co-teach the first ever Reading Education Assistance Dogs Online Workshop that we offered. We literally had participants from all over the country attend! Way to go, Sandy Goodrich and Sadie! We are PROUD of you!
CONGRATULATIONS to Sandy Goodrich and Sadie! At our CAREing Paws Quarterly meeting on Saturday, Sandy was recognized for the Volunteer in the Spotlight Award! Despite a global pandemic, Sandy has been instrumental in helping us to keep kids reading by sharing her time, talents, and expertise of the Reading A to Z tool. We've been able to use this in our online READing programs via Zoom and as a result, stay true to the principles of the R.E.A.D. program. In addition, Sandy helped co-teach the first ever Reading Education Assistance Dogs Online Workshop that we offered. We literally had participants from all over the country attend! Way to go, Sandy Goodrich and Sadie! We are PROUD of you!
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Ralph Paba & Yola
CONGRATULATIONS to Ralph Paba and Yola! Ralph is our Volunteer in the Spotlight Award Winner! Ralph & Yola visit regularly at the Benton House of Newnan, Monarch House of Newnan, Palmetto Park, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, and Watercrest of Newnan. In addition, they do lots of special visits at Georgia Tech, the GWCC shows, and CHOA just to name a few. Ralph is always looking out for new places for CAREing Paws to be of service in the community. It is a passion of his and he loves spending time encouraging others and sharing the love of his special girl, Yola! Please join me in congratulating Ralph & Yola for all that they do to enrich the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond!
CONGRATULATIONS to Ralph Paba and Yola! Ralph is our Volunteer in the Spotlight Award Winner! Ralph & Yola visit regularly at the Benton House of Newnan, Monarch House of Newnan, Palmetto Park, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, and Watercrest of Newnan. In addition, they do lots of special visits at Georgia Tech, the GWCC shows, and CHOA just to name a few. Ralph is always looking out for new places for CAREing Paws to be of service in the community. It is a passion of his and he loves spending time encouraging others and sharing the love of his special girl, Yola! Please join me in congratulating Ralph & Yola for all that they do to enrich the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond!
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Christine Smith, Boo and Rocher
CONGRATULATIONS to Christine Smith! She was named Volunteer in the Spotlight at our CAREing Paws meeting on 1/19/2020! Christine, Boo and Rocher regularly visit Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill, Country Gardens Senior Living in Duluth, Embrace hospice patients at various facilities, Peachtree Villa, Salude - Art of Recovery, Briarwood Health & Rehab, CHOA Scottish Rite and Egleston, and the colleges during finals week as well as many special events all throughout the year! Christine has been a member of CAREing Paws for approximately 2 years, is a wonderful conversation starter on in our FB group, and is just a joy to spend time with. Please join me in congratulating Christine, Boo and Rocher for all that they do to enrich the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond!
CONGRATULATIONS to Christine Smith! She was named Volunteer in the Spotlight at our CAREing Paws meeting on 1/19/2020! Christine, Boo and Rocher regularly visit Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill, Country Gardens Senior Living in Duluth, Embrace hospice patients at various facilities, Peachtree Villa, Salude - Art of Recovery, Briarwood Health & Rehab, CHOA Scottish Rite and Egleston, and the colleges during finals week as well as many special events all throughout the year! Christine has been a member of CAREing Paws for approximately 2 years, is a wonderful conversation starter on in our FB group, and is just a joy to spend time with. Please join me in congratulating Christine, Boo and Rocher for all that they do to enrich the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond!
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Fred Kolshorn & Phoebe
CONGRATULATIONS to Fred Kolshorn & Phoebe! They are our Volunteer in the Spotlight for Q4 2019! Fred & Phoebe are a certified R.E.A.D. team and they help kids to love reading at the A. Mitchell Powell, Jr. and Peachtree City libraries. In addition, they visit regularly at Arbor Terrace, Benton House of Newnan, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Project SEARCH, Watercrest Senior Living and Wesley Woods. Fred is my right hand. He always goes above and beyond and is willing to step in and fulfill a need to support the team! He has been "filling in" at the Newnan Library for more than 6 months now! Fred and Phoebe help recruit new teams for CAREing Paws and help support those who are going through the process to become certified. We are so lucky to have Fred & Phoebe! Thank you for all that you do each and every day!
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Helen Hodges & Reagan
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CONGRATULATIONS! to Helen Hodges! Helen was nominated by her library to be our Volunteer in the Spotlight! Here's what the library says: Helen has been volunteering for years at the Milton Library as a part of our Books with Pups program. We love working with CAREing Paws volunteers, and Helen is amazing! She's always happy to get here and work with the kids. I can't thank her enough for all that she's done to support the Milton library.
All paws up to Helen Hodges and Reagan! |
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Carol Halasz and Joey
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CONGRATULATIONS to CAROL HALASZ!
Carol is dedicated to enriching the lives of others and she lives her life as a true testimony to this each and every day. Even when the weeks seem endless, most of her and her husband's weekends are dedicated to their visits, because they both know that sometimes we (dog/handler teams) are the high point in our "customers" week. "Carol is a leader in our effort," says Stephan, "and everyone sees it and follows suit." What a fitting tribute to Carol from Stephan and the rest of the Halasz pack/clan/tribe/family! Carol, THANK YOU for all that you do to enrich the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond! |
Nancy DeLoatch and Keeper
CONGRATULATIONS TO NANCY DELOATCH & KEEPER!
Nancy has a longstanding relationship with the Salvation Army Center on Luckie St in Atlanta and has led teams visiting families and veterans there for years. She is fantastic "at the other end of the leash", engaging the clients in respectful conversation while they enjoy Keeper's enthusiastic attentions!!
Additionally, Nancy and Keeper spent every other Wednesday afternoon at the Smyrna Library where children got the chance to read to Keeper. Nancy’s calm, outgoing personality is a great fit for the R.E.A.D. program. While the children read to Keeper, Nancy, with her calming, positive influence, is a pro at working with the kids through Keeper, helping them with new words and comprehension, while keeping them completely engaged.
Nancy and Keeper were also an integral part of CP's Georgia Tech stress relief visits by volunteering many times and sometimes participated two days each semester. The students and GT staff loved Keeper's soft fur, exuberance, and charming personality. Nancy's friendly personality led students to talk about their studies and their own dogs and they will truly be missed in upcoming Georgia Tech events.
Nancy has a longstanding relationship with the Salvation Army Center on Luckie St in Atlanta and has led teams visiting families and veterans there for years. She is fantastic "at the other end of the leash", engaging the clients in respectful conversation while they enjoy Keeper's enthusiastic attentions!!
Additionally, Nancy and Keeper spent every other Wednesday afternoon at the Smyrna Library where children got the chance to read to Keeper. Nancy’s calm, outgoing personality is a great fit for the R.E.A.D. program. While the children read to Keeper, Nancy, with her calming, positive influence, is a pro at working with the kids through Keeper, helping them with new words and comprehension, while keeping them completely engaged.
Nancy and Keeper were also an integral part of CP's Georgia Tech stress relief visits by volunteering many times and sometimes participated two days each semester. The students and GT staff loved Keeper's soft fur, exuberance, and charming personality. Nancy's friendly personality led students to talk about their studies and their own dogs and they will truly be missed in upcoming Georgia Tech events.
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Jackie Kluck and Josephine
Congratulations to our Volunteer in the Spotlight - Jackie Kluck and Josephine! Jackie and her husband, Kevin, moved from GA to TX last year and they wasted no time getting involved in their local schools volunteering with Josephine ("Jo"), in the reading program. Jackie forged new ground in a city where they aren't really a lot of therapy teams and no one had even heard of the R.E.A.D. program. Now they are reading in two schools (Felty and Wedgeworth Elementary) in Waxahachie, TX.
One of the teachers wrote, "My student practiced responsibility through Jo. She read to Jo, loved on her and gained a tremendous feeling of self-worth. She knew Jo (and Jackie and Kevin) depended upon her to do her best and stay focused on the tasks at hand. Jackie and Kevin Kluck are amazing individuals. They went above and beyond each day they came to our campus. They were kind, patient, and loving. Opening their lives and sharing Jo with us has changed the lives of our students and teachers. They are humble and kind people who deserve an incredible award for their dedication and love to our students."
Thank you, Jackie, Kevin and Josephine (Jo) for your patience and perseverance, your kindness and your devotion to these children and helping them to grow in self-confidence while developing a love of reading!!!
One of the teachers wrote, "My student practiced responsibility through Jo. She read to Jo, loved on her and gained a tremendous feeling of self-worth. She knew Jo (and Jackie and Kevin) depended upon her to do her best and stay focused on the tasks at hand. Jackie and Kevin Kluck are amazing individuals. They went above and beyond each day they came to our campus. They were kind, patient, and loving. Opening their lives and sharing Jo with us has changed the lives of our students and teachers. They are humble and kind people who deserve an incredible award for their dedication and love to our students."
Thank you, Jackie, Kevin and Josephine (Jo) for your patience and perseverance, your kindness and your devotion to these children and helping them to grow in self-confidence while developing a love of reading!!!
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Carol Halasz and Ginger, Rip, Joey, Ruby and Pablo
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How does Carol Halasz do it all?
Carol has 5 registered therapy dogs; Ginger, Rip, Joey, Ruby, & Pablo and visits at 6+ venues each month. She is a committed volunteer that can be counted on to “be there” for both her fellow volunteers and her clients. She really tunes in to taking the right dog to the right situation in order to reach them. Carol also fosters numerous dogs and cats for the community. She previously had 2 registered therapy cats that were a hit at the venues! But her advocacy goes beyond domestic animals – she rehabilitates wildlife. Nurturing squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, opossum, deer, and fox are second nature to Carol. The vets know who to call when a mother animal is not able to take care of her young, or an injured wild animal needs special care. They also know that Carol knows how and when to release them back to the wild. As if all of that is not enough, Carol has successfully competed in AKC Obedience and Rally-O with her therapy dog, Joey, and she is gearing up for Canine freestyle and Agility! And oh, Carol also holds a full-time job!!! We believe it is her passion for animals and desire to help that gets her through it all. Thank you, Carol, for your willingness to share your passion with others. You are quite an asset to our community! |
Sue Burnett & Josie
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Sue Burnett and Josie have been actively volunteering in CAREing Paws from the moment they joined! Sue and Josie currently participate in the reading program at two libraries and a school in addition to participating in many other special visits and events. Sue is always there when you need her, eagerly filling in whenever someone else is unavailable. In addition to volunteering with Josie, she has also written – and WON! - grants for CAREing Paws. ALSO, Sue recently discovered how CAREing Paws can receive books from Scholastic at a significant discount through a program called FACE (Family and Community Engagement). The goal of the program is to send every child home with a book and avoid the Summer Reading Slide while also taking advantage of up to 80% off the list prices.
Sue is always joyful and delightful going above and beyond, thinking of others and furthering the mission of our organization. A teacher at heart, Sue loves children and especially loves helping them learn. We are extraordinarily lucky to have her as a valued member of CAREing Paws. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do!!! |
Kathy Fowler, Tigger and Silver
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Kathy Fowler and her fabulous greyhounds, Silver and Tigger, routinely volunteer at many CAREing Paws events, including the reading program at Mountain View Regional Library and soon also to be reading at the East Marietta Library. All in all, they have participated in SEVEN College Spring Stress Relief visits going to locations in Dahlonega, Cumming, Watkinsville, and Atlanta (GT and Mercer) as well as a new gig at GT’s Relaxation Fest - and they did this all in just three weeks - while working full time!
The photos taken at these events show students petting Tigger’s silky ears and Tigger completely enjoying belly rubs and full body massages from students. Kathy reports that after the college visits, Tigger takes a nice long nap! CAREing Paws deeply appreciates Kathy and Tigger’s contribution to the success of the semi-annual college visits! Thank you for all that you do! |
Kathy Rakestraw, Blaze and Cori
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Kathy Rakestraw and her greyhound, Cori, read at the Canton Library.
Kathy and Blaze visit at an assisted living facility and the airport. He has also done many special stand alone therapy visits such as Sidekicks and CHOA - Egleston. In addition, Blaze attends Pope High School football games as a mascot. Kathy is very active in South Eastern Greyhound Adoption (SEGA), organizing everything for the GaGives Day, participating in and organizing Meet and Greets, parades and other fund raising activities. Kathy promotes the greyhound as a pet wherever she goes. She has fostered many greyhounds in the past and keeps tabs on all her former fosters. She also fosters kittens (and the occasional puppy) for Road Trip Home. Kathy does all of this and still finds time to participate in all kinds of dog sports with her SIX dogs! (OH, and she works full time, too!) Our hats are off to you, Kathy! THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do!!! |
Debbie Franks and Elliott
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Debbie and her therapy dog Elliott spread so much cheer and happiness, even when both were still recovering from surgeries last year! They do the READ program AND visit nursing homes, as well as help with special event pet therapy as their busy schedules allow for it.
Debbie and her husband, Tony, foster for Atlanta Dog Squad. They have helped many dogs find their forever homes, By their fostering, they help prepare their fosters for life as a well behaved member of their new family. Debbie & Tony keep in touch with the families that have adopted their fosters. Debbie has also helped Kathy Rakestraw with special situations for a group she fosters for, Road Trip Home. Debbie is always ready and willing to help anyone in anyway she can. The world is a much better place because Debbie is in it! Thanks for all you do, Debbie and Elliott! |
Anne Converse, Frankie and Bear
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Commitment, reliability, compassion. These are traits that Anne Converse displays routinely in her pet therapy work. Anne has been doing pet therapy work since 2009 - initially with PETS in Action in Dahlonega, Georgia, where she also held both the Vice President and Secretary positions. Since 2013 she has been a valued member of CAREing Paws.
Anne visits with her two registered dogs, Frankie and Bear in the READ program, at Gold City retirement home, the Lumpkin county jail, the women’s shelter, University of North Georgia stress relief and pediatric physical therapy. Anne is one of the first to volunteer for a job and the last to expect praise. Anne competes her dog Bear in agility and does Rally-O with Frankie. She also is Secretary for the Daughters of the American Revolution, Dahlonega chapter. Thank you Anne for being a bright spot in CAREing Paws! |
Rhonda Weisberg and Raven
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Going above and beyond, consistently. Creativity. Innovation. This is Rhonda Weisberg. Many of you know Rhonda because she volunteers her time not only for therapy and reading visits, but in making signs for your R.E.A.D. programs, customizing bookmarks for your dog, and most recently, creating forms to help you track the progress of your readers.
In addition, Rhonda designed the artwork for our billboards that are now running in Middle and North GA and has offered marketing and PR advice anytime we’ve needed it. She sees enhancements to make our programs even better and she offers to do them without expecting anything in return. Rhonda shares her ideas, talents and creativity with all of us so that everyone in CAREing Paws can benefit. We are so thankful and grateful to Rhonda for all she has done to make us better and to help us achieve our goal of becoming the premier animal therapy group in middle/north Georgia. Your professionalism and your creative talents mean so much to us! |
Debbie Rouleau, Beau and Rocket
Debbie Rouleau, Beau and Rocket
We'd like to extend our sincere appreciation to Debbie Rouleau for her amazing dedication and determination in making this year's end of the school year books for our R.E.A.D. teams who volunteer in the schools! Lots of long hours and hard work goes into making each and every book, and Debbie goes above and beyond to ensure each one is absolutely PERFECT! Debbie has great attention to detail and due to her tireless efforts, we think this year's books are the best yet!
Hats off to you, Debbie! The books are absolutely FANTASTIC!
Hats off to you, Debbie! The books are absolutely FANTASTIC!
Cathy Varidel and Gryphon
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Congratulations to Cathy Varidel and Gryphon! With more than 400 therapy dog visits to their credit, Gryphon was awarded the AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog (THDD) title and gold medal on July 1, 2014. Way to go!!!