Going above and beyond

All our volunteer therapy dogs are hard-working, loving, caring, and of course, adorable! While all eyes are understandably on them, behind their loving and adorable ways, their handlers are the driving force that makes their work in the program possible. A great example of this force is Gerry, who runs the Surrey/Delta/Langley therapy dog program unit! She contributes countless volunteer hours running this unit, which holds the largest number of volunteers in a unit with over 126 handlers and dogs.

In this last year, Gerry has taken on coordinating and organizing all the child evaluations for the Fraser Valley and much of the Lower Mainland. This has grown the amount of dogs that are able to participate in Paws 4 Stories by 50 per cent, meaning 147 dogs are now evaluated to visit specifically with children! All this year, and every year, Gerry, along with her team, excels at special events, attending an average of four events a month where they bring awareness and support donations to the program. Gerry also engages with the Cadet Program, making sure to incorporate opportunities for our youth volunteers to get hours during child evaluations.

Outside of all the work above, Gerry also maintains regular and ongoing visits to facilities across Metro Vancouver, like the YVR Airport, with her volunteer therapy dog Bailey to create smiles and spread comfort to those who need it most. Bailey himself has over 700 visiting hours and is a shining example of a therapy dog, always showing love and charm as well as eagerness to meet new people.

Together, this volunteer duo have created a true sense of volunteerism and joy.