Janice Russell and her husband have called Akron home for nearly three decades, and she was delighted to discover White Whiskers a little over a year ago when it opened just minutes from her home. After spotting a mention in the Akron Bugle and visiting the sanctuaryβs website, she immediately signed up for an orientation. Afterward, on her very first day, founder Polla Milligan welcomed her, showed her around, and promptly placed Henry on her lap! βI fell in love with the place on day one,β Janice recalls. Because she and her husband travel often and donβt have a dog of their own, volunteering has become her perfect βdog fixβ – and she jokes she may enjoy it even more than the dogs do.
βWhite Whiskers has been a win-win for our little town,β she shares. βIβm so proud that Akron has welcomed the sanctuary with open arms, and so many volunteers now come from the village and surrounding Newstead.β Β When Janice speaks with her fellow Akronites, their response is almost universal: βOh yes, Iβve heard of White Whiskers – I hear itβs really special!β
Today, Janice volunteers three to four times a week, often checking the schedule each morning and stepping in to fill open shifts. Living close to the sanctuary makes it easy for her to help frequently, something she appreciates, knowing many volunteers travel long distances to give of their time. She treasures the camaraderie among the volunteer team and especially loves seeing families serve together- mothers and daughters, fathers and sons – united by a shared love of dogs.
Janice has also taken on important responsibilities behind the scenes. She helps coordinate vet visits for vaccinations, recruited additional volunteers to assist, and even created a spreadsheet to keep everything organized and up to date. Her compassion extends to every stage of a dogβs life, including the hardest moments, when she supports the team in ensuring beloved seniors are cared for with dignity and love at the end of life.
Janice knows volunteering isnβt for everyone, but she encourages anyone curious to give it a try. βWhile there is never a dull moment, the pure joy these dogs give you, well, they just want to sit on your lap and be loved,β she says. Β For this monthβs special volunteer, White Whiskers can be summed up simply: βPeople helping dogs, and dogs helping people.β
We are deeply grateful to Janice for her care, dedication, and the light she brings to our sanctuary. Volunteers like her make the magic of White Whiskers possible.
If youβre inspired to volunteer, weβd love to welcome you! Learn more about our volunteer opportunities here on our website: https://whitewhiskerswny.org/volunteer/
Or contact our Volunteer Coordinator Bailey by replying back to this email or whitewhiskerssocial@gmail.com
Today is the last day to order: 3/2
