by Karey Wedemeyer
Karey Wedemeyer is a volunteer with the Fresno Bully Rescue. FBR will be sharing their animal rescue adventures with us now every other month.
Volunteer Orientation Day is always fun at Fresno Bully Rescue. A new group of people interested in the bully breed and giving them the love and good life they deserve! It is always inspiring to see families at the orientations. I think of my own family and wish we could have shared this experience. Learning about volunteerism in anyway, whether it be with people, environment or animals could only be a positive experience for us all at any age. I have enjoyed watching families that have grown with FBR from the first day of orientation to working alongside them now.
Day Family
After going through orientation, Jen and Nolan had found what they were both looking for. They fell in love with the dogs, learned more about the bully breed and had a common interest and passion. Soon to follow were Jen’s two younger sons and their dad Jason. They began volunteering as a family, walking the dogs, attending adoption events and helping out at FBR fundraisers. “One of the most positive outcomes for the boys was watching them come out of their shells as far as public education and speaking goes. Advocating for the breed, educating others on the importance of spay and neuter and adoption has given them a sense of value and worth beyond a family unit” says Jen. “Fresno Bully Rescue has been a magical place for me and my family. “
Dave Sankey and his wife, Bernadette, also volunteer at FBR with their two sons. They have always felt it is important to teach values of community involvement and helping those in need. Dave says, “Finding a fun way to learn this lesson was important for a positive impact. FBR is a very well-run organization with a team of great, dedicated people. That has gone a long way in making our family volunteer experiences positive, and it has really shown my sons the reality of good people accomplishing good things in the community. The boys get to see first-hand what can be done when people give their time and energy to a cause. They get to feel proud of their own contribution to that effort, while having a lot of fun meeting and playing with the dogs.”
Sankey Family
Other family units often arrive without kids, like Terese and Ian Shaw. After 26 years their four children were grown and the house now quiet. Terese had just faced a tragic loss of her son’s best friend and was struggling with the sadness of his unexpected death. Looking for a place to focus her thoughts to something positive, Terese found Fresno Bully Rescue after adopting their Pit Bull, Keegan. Ian went with Terese to show support. Four years later, Terese and Ian volunteer three Sundays a month as Shelter Staff. Ian feels it has been a benefit for him and Terese. “We have something in common that we both enjoy. FBR also allows us to do different things to suit our personalities. Terese, (now FBRs adoption coordinator) is better with people so she does tours, adoptions, orientations and I work more closely with the dogs.” Terese and Ian also bring family dynamic to the Sunday shift often with wonderful home cooked meals that many of the volunteers have been very fortunate enough to enjoy!
Ian and Terese
There are families of all dynamics that volunteer at FBR. I believe it really brings a positive atmosphere to the center and in return the dogs and shelter give families a sense of community and something to be proud of. The dog kisses and love are just icing on the cake. If you are interested in volunteering at Fresno Bully Rescue go to:
www.fresnobullyrescue.org/volunteer.html to learn more. Minors must be at least four years old and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Fresno Bully Rescue.
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