Feature Volunteer: Valerie

Valerie supports the GTHS Humane Education Program by assisting with after-school and summer activities for local youth, and is a Dog Adoptions Counselor. She is also a highly valued member of the Transport Team, and was recently involved in the GTHS’s largest northern animal transfer to date (having collected 42 cats and dogs from Sault Sainte Marie). By working with behaviourally challenged dogs last year, Valerie was involved in the development of our “Deciphering The Shelter Dog” Program and continues to be part of our Dog Care Team.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING WITH THE GTHS?
I’ve been volunteering since August 2018.

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
I love being a part of this amazing organization and continue to learn every day about compassion, empathy, dedication and teamwork. To be around the animals and a great bunch of humans are just a few of the reasons.

WHAT PETS DO YOU SHARE YOUR LIFE WITH?
Romeo is a rescue dog and he has two switches; on and off. His companion, Jewels, was recently confiscated by my daughter Erika, so I’m sure it won’t be long before another fur family member joins me!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO THE AREA?
I was born and raised in Toronto, in the Beaches area. When my sister moved to Wasaga Beach, I bought a seasonal place to see how I liked the area. I was hooked! When I retired in June 2019, I moved here full time.

WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
I love to camp, so learning guitar, to play it around the campfire would be a fun addition to the adventure!

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF THE BEST DAY EVER?
Seeing the amazing work of our Northern Partners, transporting animals to safety, helping care for these animals, watching the smiles as people welcome a new fur family member, listening to students share their stories, or watching the staff engage in such loving ways with the animals, have made for so many best days!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PASTIME (HOBBY)?
In my spare time I enjoy cycling, hiking, sewing, knitting and crochet and am looking forward to developing my beginner quilting skills, as well as travelling and camping across Canada in the next few years.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PHOBIAS OR FEARS?
I’m not a great fan of heights, but for the right view will tackle anything!

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I would want to have a dinner with my late mom. She is always a hero in my eyes and now that I am older I have a greater appreciation for her.


Thank you Valerie, for all you do for the GTHS!

To volunteer at the GTHS, like Valerie, click here for details.

We are committed to helping pets and people thrive and recognize that, at times, pet owners will prioritize food for their pets over nutrition for themselves.

To find out more about the GTHS Pet Pantry please click here.

Stay informed on GTHS events, initiatives and programs. Learn how the GTHS team is serving the pets and people of the South Georgian Bay Area. Read heart-warming Happy Tails about GTHS Alumni. See a lot of really cute pictures of dogs and cats!