Every month we highlight our incredible volunteers who donate their time and good hearts to YOUR Humane Society SPCA. We are truly fortunate to team up with the best people who help our shelter pets find forever homes. This month, we congratulate our August 2024 Volunteer of the Month, Cheryl Licari!
As the dog days of summer continue, our team of lifesavers endure it because they know what an impact their participation has in lifesaving of precious deserving pets. Without people like Cheryl, we would not be able to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome the animals who land in our care. We are privileged to have many transplants from across our country who make Florida their next home and take time in their retirement to help in their new community. Cheryl, once a Detroit suburbanite who relocated here, is one of those compassionate community-driven people.
Cheryl’s memories of her youth are filled with cherished high-energy dogs such as German Shepherds, St. Bernards, many active hunting dog breeds plus many lucky cats and kittens. When she and her husband Ken moved to Florida though, they had no pets. Through the grapevine, Cheryl repeatedly heard about our well-regarded shelter so she came to learn more about us and she was convinced that this would be a great place to make a positive impact. Cheryl explained “I have always loved animals and since our local HSSPCA is a no-kill shelter, it seemed like the right choice.”
After volunteering for six months, Cheryl also made a difference in a little dog’s life by adopting Button, a sweet cuddly Maltese, who was being fostered by one of our volunteers and was waiting for its own loving family. While Cheryl and all our volunteers are often asked “how I can walk dogs and not want to take them home. Playing with them, hugging them, and giving them love is a win-win for both of us.” Additionally, she explains how our team of volunteers work together to make the most for the animals during each visit. “The other walkers who are there on the same shift as me, have become good teammates. We share ideas and suggestions and help each other. Each staff member is friendly and accommodating and there to help if needed.”
Memorable experiences are shared by many shelter volunteers and staff who are involved directly with their care Cheryl shared that “one of the most memorable experiences for me since I’ve been there is fostering three puppies, part of a litter. I had never fostered before and having three puppies was a lot of work but also very fulfilling knowing that I had an impact on their early development. I tried not getting attached but of course I did.” Cheryl demonstrated how important volunteer foster homes are, whether for vulnerable young animals, a more fragile senior pet who needs time to adjust or one who is recovering medically. Foster homes allow these animals a safe space to heal and destress along with opening the limited space at the shelter for animals who may require the skilled care and supervision of staff. Foster home volunteers also act as ambassadors who promote these pets across their own social circles, helping network them to potential adopters. Another win-win as Cheryl described how she helped two of the three puppies in her care. “Before I took them back to the shelter to be fixed so they could be adopted, I took pictures of them and posted them on Facebook that they would be adoptable soon. I know that at least two were adopted that way. One I still get to see pictures of since I know the owner.”
Many of YOUR Humane Society SPCA volunteers show their support in other areas and Cheryl is one of those who goes the extra mile. Over the years, she has been to several fundraising and adoption events as a volunteer or as an attendee. She shared that she “purchased some of our amazing T-shirts or paintings that the dogs participated in making. There are also fundraisers like the fashion show that I attended. There are so many ways to help this organization and help these animals to find their fur-ever homes.”
We are so grateful for our volunteers who give of themselves to care for our adoptable cats and dogs, and we are proud to highlight Cheryl Licari as our Volunteer of the Month for August 2024. Congratulations! We thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the support you give the animals to find happy futures with families they can call their own.
If you would like to join our great volunteer team and enjoy the personal satisfaction of knowing how much your efforts impact YOUR community, please call YOUR Humane Society SPCA, Sumter County’s oldest and largest private no-kill shelter, complete your volunteer application on our volunteer page. There are many ways to help, such as fostering a pet, offering dog walking and basic obedience, socializing and grooming pets, helping Admin. in the office, fundraising, humane education with local youth, gardening and basic maintenance tasks on our campus, and more. Reach out and let us know your talents!
