Volunteer Spotlight

Candy Roberg of Anamosa, Iowa

What pets do you have?
I have one dog, Bailey, and many outdoor cats that won’t allow anyone but me to touch them.

How did you become an AWF volunteer?
I saw in the Anamosa Journal that AWF was having an open meeting at the Jones County Court House to get volunteers to help with the strays in Jones County.

When did you first volunteer?
I signed up 6 ½ years ago when AWF put out the call for volunteers.

What AWF activities do you volunteer for?
I organize the bake sales that are held at the Anamosa Wal-mart. I also sell t-shirts to my co-workers and help with garage sales that are held at the Baptist Church in Anamosa. I also put flyers up of the Urgent Dogs that need homes as soon as possible, so that we can make more room for the next Urgent Dog that comes along.

What do you feel is your biggest contribution to AWF?
Helping with fundraisers that bring in money to pay vet bills.

What's your favorite part about volunteering?
I like happy stories of an Urgent Dog finding a forever LOVING FAMILY who will take good care of them for the rest of their life. I enjoy it when a co-worker of mine has been able to adopt one of AWF’s dogs or cats. That way I can keep track of how they are doing and also hear the stories the new family member has to tell about how the dog or cat has fit into their family.

Has there been an AWF dog or cat that was especially memorable?
I think the one story that sticks in my mind is Hudson’s (now called Caleb). I couldn’t believe it when I heard the story of how someone would actually shoot a poor dog that was just looking for a safe place. When I put out the story of Hudson on the bulletin boards at Rockwell-Collins, my co-workers came by my area and gave money to help pay for his surgery, so he could be pain free.

What do you feel has been AWF's greatest accomplishments to date?
To think how AWF started with nothing but has been able to help so many dogs and cats that have needed our help.

What has been your favorite AWF event to work at or attend?
I have enjoyed all the events I’ve volunteered at. I know any money brought in is going to a good cause. It will help save the strays in Jones County.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering for AWF?
Don’t just stand there and think about it; do it. Volunteering for AWF is the best thing a person can do. Especially when you know you are not doing it for yourself, but to help these poor defenseless animals that have either been abandoned or abused.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I am so glad I have been able to help AWF by doing bake sales during the summer months.