Volunteers are motivated to give of themselves for a variety of reasons—to help their community, to share their time and talent, or to learn a new skill. And volunteers gain different things from their experiences. When we interviewed a group of Can Do Canines volunteers about what they have gained from their time volunteering, here is what they shared.
1- Confidence
“That I can do this [train a dog]. That I can raise a dog, and train a dog with the support that I have from Can Do Canines. And I really feel like I’m dong a wonderful job; the puppy is progressing and it’s so impressive to see every week.” – Paula Brito
2- Community
“I didn’t have an anticipation or expectation of the amazing people I was going to get to be involved with and the really deep friendships that were going to be built along the way. So it really is very much a community; there is mutual support and the people I have met here are some of the best people I have ever known.” – Karin Balgaard.
3- Empathy
“[I’ve] learned a lot about people and their needs. [It’s] taught me that there are a lot more people out there that need help than we care to think.” – Stu Wicklund
4- Patience
“You learn a lot of patience, especially when you’re dealing with a puppy. You’re starting from square one and you’re doing everything with them. It’s a lot of patience but it’s really cool when they get it. When you’re working on something for so long and it’s finally like, ‘yes, they got it!’” – Deb Nelson
5- Purpose
“I’ve learned that you gain more that you give. Long, long ago it ceased feeling like I was giving something at all. It just feels like being involved was something so worthwhile that is good news in a bad news world. It shines a light in such a unique way. And on every level these dogs influence in a positive way the lives of the people that get to be a part of them.” – Karin Balgaard
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