A DOG-LOVING volunteer at Dogs Trust Evesham has given up 1,000 hours of her time to help care for dogs whilst they wait for their forever homes.
University student Mel LeRoy began volunteering at the Wickhamford rehoming centre in November 2016 and has been a pivotal member of the team, helping to support hundreds of canine residents through socialisation.
Mel has managed to dedicate the impressive number of volunteering hours whilst simultaneously studying mathematics at The University of Birmingham.
By living at home, Mel saves the money that would otherwise be spent on university accommodation and, since becoming a volunteer, Mel has generously donated toys and treats worth more than £1,000.
She also regularly goes on shopping sprees to buy things she knows the dogs will love.
Mel decided to sign up and become a volunteer because she does not own her own dog, but says dedicating her time and attention to the dogs seeking new homes at Evesham is just as rewarding.
“I love my volunteering days. Just knowing that even an hour of my time can mean so much to the dogs at the rehoming centre makes it all worthwhile.
“I especially enjoy spoiling the dogs who have been looking for a home for a while and I love making the dogs’ time in kennels more enjoyable,” she said.
Dogs Trust Evesham has a team of 80 volunteers and says it could not do what it does without them.
Natalie Gould, volunteer co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Evesham, said: “Mel is a real asset to our team and we are so grateful to Mel for everything she has done for us and the dogs at the Rehoming Centre.
“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the dedication of those giving their time to help care to the hundreds of dogs rehomed each year.
“We are always updating our website with new volunteer vacancies, including positions for kennel assistants and events volunteers, so if you’d like to donate an hour or days of your time, we’d love to hear from you.”
Call 0300 303 0292 for more information on becoming a volunteer.
