The Lori Kauffman Volunteer Of The Month Award

Craig Hurst is the recipient of the October 2008 Lori Kauffman Volunteer of the Month Award

Congratulations to Craig Hurst, the October volunteer of the month! Craig is part of GRRA's transport team, conducts home checks, and is a permanent foster to Scruffy.

Craig has enjoyed golden retrievers as pets since the mid-1970's. He lost his last golden about two years ago. Craig loved goldens and wanted to help them, so he went to his vet to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Craig's vet directed him to GRRA, and Craig began attending adoption days. Soon afterwards, he became a part of the transport team and began conducting home checks.

Perhaps Craig's biggest contribution to GRRA is being a permanent foster to Scruffy. Scruffy became an orphan when his owner passed away, and his owner's wife was unable to handle him. Scruffy had severe separation anxiety and storm phobia. Craig offered to foster Scruffy until he could be placed in a forever home. Unfortunately, GRRA was unable to find a forever home that would be a good fit for Scruffy. Craig didn't hesitate to be a permanent foster for Scruffy when asked. He has now fostered Scruffy for a year, and Scruffy is thriving at Craig's home!

Craig's favorite experiences with GRRA are picking up dogs to enter GRRA's program. It gives Craig great satisfaction to know the dogs will be in good hands and will receive the care they need. Craig likes to help GRRA by doing whatever he can.

Thank you, Craig, for all you do for GRRA, including giving Scruffy a second chance!

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.