The Lori Kauffman Volunteer Of The Month Award

April Switay is the recipient of the May 2009 Lori Kauffman Volunteer of the Month Award

Congratulations to April Switay, our May Volunteer of the Month! April volunteers as a foster, performs home checks, and is a member of the transport team.

April became involved with GRRA approximately five years ago. Since then, she has fostered 10-12 dogs. Each foster has its own unique personality. Currently, April is fostering Jonathon,a golden 9-10 years old. Jonathon was very close to being put down. He had 3 tumors, could hardly walk, and was overweight. Thanks to April's excellent care, Jonathon is doing much better now! The tumors have been removed, including 1 that was cancerous, and half of one front paw had to be removed because of one of the tumors.

Jonathon reminds April of her beloved golden, Buster, who had to be put down about a year ago; their personalities are similar. Jonathon is now part of April's family and seems to be pretty happy. He enjoys watching the younger goldens play and eating popcorn with the family while watching movies. April has two other goldens she adopted from GRRA: Crash, one of Mama Jean's puppies, and Peanut. April is pictured here with Crash, Peanut, and Jonathon in the back.

April enjoys volunteering for GRRA and gets great satisfaction from knowing GRRA is helping dogs get a second chance. She also is appreciative that GRRA is selective about choosing a home for the goldens, making sure the home is the right fit for all and that it will be a good forever home.

Thank you April for all you do for GRRA and the dogs!

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.