As the UK celebrates the invaluable contributions of volunteers during National Volunteers' Week, Dogs Trust Bridgend and Dogs Trust Cardiff are shining a spotlight on an exceptional volunteer, Heather Horton, who has dedicated over 14 years to the charity.
Heather is one of more than 80 volunteers and 60 foster carers who assist Dogs Trust Bridgend and Dogs Trust Cardiff with a variety of tasks, including walking dogs, gardening, ensuring clean bedding for the dogs, fostering, and fundraising.
Heather shared her story: "I started volunteering at Dogs Trust Bridgend after I retired and lost my husband. I knew I loved dogs, and I simply wanted to help out. Over the last 14 years, I've helped so many dogs find their forever homes, but I'll always remember when a photo of me and a dog was seen on social media by a family from Jersey, who traveled all the way to Bridgend to adopt him."
Nationally, Dogs Trust boasts over 3,600 volunteers who play a vital role in caring for more than 11,000 dogs each year. Volunteering with the UK's largest dog welfare charity offers a rewarding way to support rescue dogs, with opportunities to match all interests and skills.
Kim Davies, manager at Dogs Trust Bridgend, praised the volunteers: "Our volunteers go above and beyond for the dogs in our care, and it simply wouldn't be possible to achieve everything we do without them. Volunteers' Week is the perfect time to thank them for their time, commitment, and good humour – they are simply the best!"
She added: "At Dogs Trust, we are always looking for new faces to help and people interested in rehoming some of our lovely dogs. To learn more about what Dogs Trust offers, feel free to visit Dogs Trust Cardiff or contact Dogs Trust Bridgend."
Last year, Dogs Trust Bridgend revamped its operations and expanded its fostering network. This change is positive for the dogs, as it reduces the time they spend in kennels, greatly enhancing their well-being while they await their forever homes.
For more information about volunteering with Dogs Trust, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/volunteering.
