Board Member, Dog Care Volunteer & Events/Fundraising Volunteer – Derrick!
His positions say it all – Derrick is a Jack of All Trades (and we’re so glad he chose GTHS to dedicate his time and talents to)! Derrick started out volunteering as a dog walker, and before he knew it he was fully immersed in the organization. In 2013, he joined the Board of Directors. While his heart is with our doggies, he dedicates a large amount of time to help all of our four-legged friends find a loving forever home.
We asked Derrick to tell us about how he came to GTHS and what it means to volunteer. Here is what he had to say: “When asked to talk about my experience with GTHS I wasn’t sure what to say, nor where to start…so I’ll just start at the beginning.
Quite simply, I was lost. I was at a place in my life where I was searching for something that would not only fill some time, but also fill a void I felt inside. My search and my love of animals brought me to the shelter where I signed up to be a dog walker. Little did I know that this would impact my life in such a huge way. On the very day of my orientation a dog was surrendered – a dog I watched be given up by his owner. He too was lost and a little broken but we helped each other. We walked, we talked, or more correctly I talked, he listened and over the next couple of weeks we got to know each other. Eventually I adopted my friend – Thorn – and brought him home as a friend for my other rescue dog Koda.
One might think that’s the end to the story but I have found a place where I feel I belong, where I can make a difference. GTHS is a place like nothing I have experienced before – so many caring people who work together to ensure that these cats and dogs get a second chance at a better life. I have met some truly amazing, passionate and dedicated people and made some great new friends. I have become more involved with working with the dogs, helping out with fundraising events and most recently, I am honored to have been added to the Board of Directors. It’s been a whirlwind of a year…but I can’t wait to see what the future holds at GTHS!”
Thank you Derrick for dedicating your heart and your time to GTHS!!!
