The Lori Kauffman Volunteer Of The Month Award

Susan DeDeyn is the recipient of the August 2010 Lori Kauffman Volunteer of the Month Award

GRRA is full of wonderful volunteers who devote themselves to not just one facet of the group, but to many. Susan DeDeyn, our August Volunteer of the Month, is one of those volunteers. Susan has been giving her time to GRRA for "at least 6 years" and all because she happened to be passing through the pet store during adoption day. "I thought, 'oh my gosh, this is what I need to do,'" she says. "And it was the perfect fit." You see, Susan has always been a golden lover, having had five goldens in 35 years. "Goldens are my passion," she says laughing. "My children think I'm obsessed, but I just can't live without one!"

Throughout Susan's several years with GRRA, she has worked as an adoption consultant, conducted home checks, taxied dogs around town, answered voicemail, escorted applicants on Adoption Day, participated in events like the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade, and she's hosted the annual Christmas party for four years. "I love hosting the Christmas party, with the potluck and Chinese auction," she says, "it's such a diverse group of people, but we all love golden retrievers - we're connected because of our love for them."

Susan also loves marching in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade, held every year on New Year's Eve day before the big game, and she wishes everyone involved with GRRA could attend. "I have marched every year, and everyone has so much fun," she explains. "The people go crazy when they see the dogs, and they all smile and want to pet them."

Susan's involvement isn't all about fun and games, but also about forming friendships. "I love to stay connected with people to see how the dog is doing," she says. After conducting a home check on her neighbor for a dog named Major, Susan and her neighbor are now friends. "They all become part of my family," she says. "It's just a real special connection."

This special connection has been a blessing for Susan as she sadly had to watch her 12½ year old Lillie succumb to hemangiosarcoma after a short, but hard battle. She adopted Lillie at the age of 7 after meeting her at adoption day. "I just fell in love with her," she explains. "You just know when it's the right one." Many of Susan's friends have touched her deeply by making a donation to GRRA in Lillie's memory. Susan's gratitude for all of the support is summed up in a few words, "GRRA is the most wonderful group of people that I've ever worked with and I will do this forever," she says thoughtfully.

Susan's grandson, 4, understands Lillie is in doggy heaven, but gently reminds Susan of how truly special she is by saying "Gammie, Lillie was the bestest dog in the whole world and we need to find another Lillie." Though Susan has always had two goldens, Jake, another GRRA adoptee, will have his mom to himself for awhile. "Another dog will come into rescue, but it's too soon right now," she says. But Susan knows when the time is right, rescue is the only option. "I think rescue dogs are the best," she says. "They know they are having such a better life, they are loved and cared for and make the very best pets of all - a piece of my heart goes with each of them."

And our hearts go out to you for all you do for GRRA. Thank you Susan!

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.