Margo is a Humane Education Volunteer. Youth participating in our programs are fascinated to hear her stories about her time as an OPP K9 Handler.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING WITH THE GTHS?
I started volunteering in June 2019 after seeing a posting for the Humane Education Volunteer Program. This really spoke to my heart as a way I could make a difference in two areas – kids and pets. I retired after a 40 year career in policing and believe that if children learn to love animals, they will be better adults.
WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
I love the absolute look of joy and happiness on the faces of the children interacting with the animals, (who knew there would be competition to clean out a litter box!), the knowledge that the GTHS animals have
been rescued and are on the way to a better life, the wonderful people I have met working for or volunteering with the GTHS, and the organization’s determination to ensure every donated dollar is stretched to the limit and used for the purpose it was intended.
WHAT PETS DO YOU SHARE YOUR LIFE WITH?
After 13 years in our family, our Lhasa Apso Mix recently passed away; he was a rescue from the Edmonton Humane Society. My husband and I are ready to start fostering.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO THE AREA?
I was born in Brantford and raised in Toronto. After visiting friends in Clarksburg, my husband and I loved the area and everything it offered. The day after I retired, we knew The Blue Mountains was what was next!
WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
I am a bit of a Dr. Doolittle fan so would like to be able to talk to the animals.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF THE BEST DAY EVER?
Walking on the beach in Siesta Key or sitting in my garden in Thornbury with friends and a glass of Pinot Grigio.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PASTIME (HOBBY)?
Yoga – whether it’s on the pier in Thornbury, on the beach in Siesta Key, or a Meow-Ga class in the cat room at the GTHS. I love yoga classes and the absolute calm that floods over me.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PHOBIAS OR FEARS?
I am pretty good at facing my fears and stamping down my phobias. It would not have been reassuring to see a police officer screaming over spiders, mice or snakes!!
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I love to cook, so would choose Food Network Host Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa), but would have to invite my BFF too – as we’d be sure to talk about the merits of local Emerald Grass Butter for a long, long time. Thank you Margo, for all you do for the GTHS!
To volunteer at the GTHS, like Margo, click here for details.
This holiday season, give a homeless animal the gift of a loving family to call their own during the National iAdopt for the Holidays Campaign.
Or, if you’re not in a position to adopt, please consider donating to help with the cost of care for animals still waiting to find their forever home.
