The Lori Kauffman Volunteer Of The Month Award

Robert Kennedy is the recipient of the October 2010 Lori Kauffman Volunteer of the Month Award

Robert Kennedy, our October Volunteer of the Month, never thought his friendship with his walking partner at Murphy Candler Park would lead him to GRRA. But after mentioning to his walking partner, Cathie Andress, his possible interest in adopting a 'friend' for his daughter's golden, Stella, Robert was well on his way to becoming a part of the GRRA family. That was March of 2007. "I was already involved with GRRA and didn't even know it," he laughs. "Cathie was the Adoption Coordinator at the time!"

Robert attended Adoption Day, choosing a calm, laid back dog named Cosmo. He renamed him Charlie, after "Mr. Charlie" by the Grateful Dead, and he and Stella, also named after a Grateful Dead song, settled in. Expecting Charlie to continue that calm demeanor he so exuded on adoption day, Robert never saw it coming. "Charlie chewed shoes, a table, a lamp, everything," he explains. "He climbed the fence like a monkey and ran the other way when I called him." Robert took him to a trainer who taught them both a few things and suggested Robert get a bigger fence. "To this day, I think Jill McGoff drugged him [at Adoption Day]," he laughs. "But part of my belief is when you bring a dog into your home, it's part of your family, it's a commitment." So Robert got a bigger fence and Charlie has since outgrown his puppy-like behavior after three years.

Robert toyed with the idea of becoming a foster, but one fateful day changed everything. Many of you may be familiar with a horrific story, covered by media outlets nationwide, about a dog found at Murphy Candler Park on December 2, 2008. This dog, now named Murphy, was beaten with a sledge hammer and left to die. Robert saved his life. Donations came flooding in, media flocked and Robert even had some "clinic groupies" who got word that a single man was kind to a dog. "For a week, all three TV stations had their trucks camped out at the vet's office," he explains. "Everyone wanted to interview me, but I sent them to talk to the doctors since [the situation] was really about the dog." Humble? Yes. And dedicated to Murphy who is now a healthy dog, the only noticeable remnant being his missing left eye, but who Robert describes as "beautiful, wonderful and loyal." With all of Murphy's publicity, Robert decided to use it to benefit GRRA. "I offered Murphy as Honorary Golden Retriever in the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade," he says. "It made the news that he was walking in the parade." So on December 31, 2008, instead of riding in his designated little red wagon, Murphy proudly walked the entire way with the other GRRA participants. It's one of Robert's most memorable moments.

Having been a golden lover for almost 40 years, it's no wonder Robert also enjoys volunteering at Adoption Days. "My volunteer work is Adoption Days, escorting people and helping them get matched up with the right dogs," he says. An accountant by trade, he dabbles in the treasury work too, assisting our current Treasurer with small tasks. He has even volunteered to take over the position when she steps down. Another role Robert plays in GRRA is pitching in with the necessary tables for the Romp. "I work at the Capital City Club and for the last two years we've loaned the tables," he explains. "So it's been my job to make sure they get there on time!"

Robert is a big fan of the calendar, too. "Murphy and Charlie are like the centerfolds in the 2011 calendar," he laughs. "And Charlie was Mr. November last year." His enthusiasm for GRRA emanates when you talk to him, which might explain why three GRRA dogs have found their forever homes with people close to him. "I love the dogs, I love the people, it's the right thing to do," he says matter-of-factly. It also explains why we are so lucky to have such a dedicated member. Thank you Robert, for all you do for GRRA!

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.