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Health & Fitness

Tails from a Bideawee: Volunteer Sue Mulqueen's Story

Volunteer Sue Mulqueen shares some of her experiences helping animals in need find loving forever homes.

I began volunteering with Bideawee 6 years ago after I saw a volunteer recruitment ad in the local paper.  I had always been interested in working with animals and the ad piqued my interest, so I decided to learn about Bideawee and the role that volunteers play in helping the organization fulfill it’s mission.  I learned that volunteers fill many important roles within the organization and are critical component to Bideawee helping animals find loving and committed forever families. I also found out that Bideawee had a host of opportunities for individuals that wanted to participate in the organization including walking dogs or playing with cats, helping in the office or the Animal Hospital at Bideawee, or representing the organization at the many public events the organization hosts and participates in every year.  I decided that being a volunteer at Bideawee and working with the Adoption Center at Bideawee animals was a perfect match; the animals needed me, and I needed them as well.

I share my home with several cats, so I look forward to coming to Bideawee and interacting with the dogs that are available for adoption and awaiting their forever family.  During my time volunteering at Bideawee, I have worked very closely with the staff, especially Bideawee’s Certified Pet Trainer, Mike Rueb.  Mike has taught me a great deal about behavior and training for dogs.  Through his guidance, I have had the chance to work with many dogs struggling with socialization or inappropriate behaviors.  Some of the dogs don’t trust people because of their difficult upbringing, so it’s important that Bideawee’s Training staff create programs for these dogs to help them learn how to properly interact with people and other animals.  I’ve been amazed at the transformation these dogs make once they receive the care, commitment and proper training and socialization they deserve. I’ve seen distant, shy dogs become loving and loyal companions to deserving families.  

One of my favorite dog rehabilitation stories is Gin Blossom.  She came to Bideawee as a young dog that had a variety of bad habits and was extremely wary of people.  Through the constant care and training that Ginny received from the Bideawee staff and volunteers, she has become a wonderful, well-adapted, social dog that is full of energy and personality.  She is going to be a wonderful pet for a very lucky family and it touches my heart to have been a part of her amazing transformation.

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Since becoming a volunteer at Bideawee, I have made many new friends and met many exceptional animals along the way.  It is wonderful to be a part of the Bideawee family and to know that we all share a common love and desire to help Bideawee’s homeless pets.  If you share a love of animals and want make a difference in the lives of pets in need please contact Bideawee at 866-262-8133 and to join me and the rest Bideawee community and make a difference in the life of a dog or cat.  

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