The Lori Kauffman Volunteer Of The Month Award

Debbi Callahan is the recipient of the September 2011 Lori Kauffman Volunteer of the Month Award

People get involved with volunteer organizations for many different reasons, but Debbi Callahan, our Volunteer of the Month, sought out GRRA™ because she wanted to honor her beloved golden, Maggie. "I lost Maggie last September due to cancer," Debbi explains. "And I just thought that Maggie would want me to do something." So last October, Debbi started escorting at adoption day which allowed her the opportunity to meet other volunteers. "I found out that many fosters had lost their dog and that's how they got started with fostering," she says. So in March, Cynthia Ring introduced Debbi to Miller.

An owner turn in due to divorce, Miller came into the program with some issues. So off to boot camp he went with Angie Woods at U.S. Canine. Both Debbi and her daughter went through training with him and as an elementary school administrator, Debbi was able to apply much of her training to her job, specifically with hall duty. "It's about discipline and following through," she laughs. Once home, Debbi noticed Miller wanted to be with the family more, but she also noticed a cracking sound coming from what she thought was his hips. After a visit to Sugar Hill, it was confirmed that Miller had knee issues. "His right back knee cap had completely moved and he had worn down the bone on the inner leg," Debbi explains. "They had to break the femur and make two cuts below the break to put the knee cap back into place, so he has a plate with three large screws, five small screws and a pin - he's definitely going to set something off!" she laughs. Miller has been kept calm and relaxed but Debbi is adamant about keeping his mind intact with challenging games. "We did the frozen Kong and I would hide his food around his crate and make him look for it," she says. "Or sometimes I would just sit with him while hiding his toys around me." Recovery has been long, but Miller just got the all clear from the vet. And he's also svelte at his new 79 pounds, down from 90 - his diet consisting of ¾ cup dog food, ½ cup of green beans and a big scoop of pumpkin. "He also gets snacks like frozen Greek yogurt, carrots, apples, and blueberries," she says. "It works!"

After all the time, love and attention Debbi has given Miller, she knows in her heart there is the perfect home waiting for him. "When I first got him Cynthia said he was a great dog and he probably won't be with you long," she says. "We laugh about that a lot!" Because they've been through so much together over the past six months, Debbi has the ideal family in mind. "I want a retired couple with a ranch and a swimming pool who can stay home with him!" she laughs. "I've been praying about that!" And once Miller is adopted, Debbi will be ready to foster again. "I would like to foster again because I know it's such a need and I'm not quite ready to get my own just yet," she says. "Cynthia said 'you've been good for Miller' and I said 'no, he's been good for me and helped me heal,'" she says with a hint of sadness. "He's my first foster and we've gone through a lot together so he will always be special."

While Debbi continues on her mission to find Miller's ideal home, she also helps spread the word about GRRA™. "I had heard of the group though I didn't really have a reason to be involved, but I've been very impressed because it truly is all about the dogs," she says. "I'm always spreading the word." And Debbi, we want to spread the word on how grateful we are to have you as a part of GRRA™ - thank you for all your dedication and for making such a difference.

Lori Kauffman, who passed away in 2007, was a GRRA™ volunteer who wanted to ensure that GRRA™ continued to do its valuable work. Lori wanted people to know, "Dogs are not disposable. Having a dog is a lifelong commitment. They are an equal part of the family".

If you are aware of a volunteer's efforts that exemplify what is needed to make our volunteer organization survive and thrive, please send a note to volunteer@grra.com. Monthly Nominations are due by the 17th of each month. Click here to see previous award winners.