As we’re all embracing what the new year will bring in adoptions, reunions, assistance, and lifesaving, we also look forward to the many new volunteers who will be joining us helping many local animals in need. One volunteer who came into our fold with exceptional enthusiasm is Mary Schaub, who we are recognizing as our January Volunteer of the Month 2024!
Mary originally hails from Racine, Wisconsin and as her memory serves her, “my family has had a dog, cat, pet mouse, or hamster. I feel fortunate that our pets were a part of the family. My folks taught me early on to be kind, gentle and loving to our furry family members.” Currently, Mary and her husband Gary, have a 13-year-old rescued Dachshund/Cairn Terrier mix named Izzy who quickly became the “Queen of the household wrapping ‘Daddy Gary’ around her little paw.”
Knowing how much love Izzy has brought into their lives inspired Mary to inquire about how she could help other animals that really needed a home and all the love that they so deserve. Mary added that “I knew that YOUR Humane Society SPCA works tirelessly to find fitting homes for each and every dog and cat in their care.” Mary began volunteering with our shelter dogs and finds it especially rewarding. She explains that “each one has a unique personality and as you get to work with them and get to know them, you can better understand what they need or want. Some of them just love to be petted and loved on, some would rather play with a ball or toy. Some still need to be taught to walk better on a leash or to play nicely with their friends. All of this is what we attempt to do every day. What a feeling of joy it is when a dog or cat is adopted! We all share in that joy.”
Mary’s most memorable experience happened recently, when “The Magnificent 13” rescue mission dogs were taken in on Halloween Day and we found them in rough shape having endured deplorable conditions from a shelter in North Florida. Mary recalls that “the staff and volunteers rallied around these poor animals. I helped with extra shifts like so many did. But I knew I could do more. So, I rallied my club in The Villages, the Peace, Love & Ukulele Club, and we did a month-long fundraiser which included 2 performances and selling t-shirts, mugs and assorted other music themed items to our members. Our club raised over $2000.00 in November to help The Mag. 13. I am so proud of my friends from PLUC for helping out when it was so needed!” Mary, we are so appreciative of all you and your club have done for us.
“Besides helping with walking/socializing the dogs, I help out at adoption events giving potential adopters the chance to meet the dogs. I also help when needed in the office. I do data entry, have been a substitute for the receptionist, and answered phones. There are so many opportunities to help at YOUR HSSPCA, no matter what your age or ability is, there is something you could help with. The staff is wonderfully caring and fun to be around. I encourage anyone considering volunteering to come out to the shelter and see firsthand how much you are needed!” Mary summed it up right there … YOU ARE NEEDED!
We’re proud to have Mary Schaub as part of our team and congratulate her once again as our Volunteer of the Month for January 2024. We are so thankful for everything our volunteers at YOUR Humane Society SPCA contribute so we all can achieve so much positivity. It’s teamwork that makes the dream work! If you are interested in becoming a valuable member of YOUR Humane Society SPCA’s team, complete a volunteer application at yhsspca.org/volunteering and see what a positive impact it will have on YOUR life and an animal’s! Reach out to us at 352-793-9117 or visit us at 994 CR 529A in Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538.
