An Ode to a Waterford Animal Control Volunteer

Post from Waterford-East Lyme Animal Control Officer Robert Yuchniuk:

Finding good volunteers at a municipal animal shelter is difficult. Most volunteers come in because they saw one of those sad dog commercials on the television, but when they learn that this is not the “happy hotel for dogs,” I never see them again.

Three years ago today, Jessica Hamilton walked into the Waterford animal shelter to check out the dogs. That began her journey in volunteering. She has cleaned urine, feces, blood and vomit, without blinking an eye.

She has been bitten by dogs, cats and one very ungrateful seagull. She has undergone the very unpleasant Rabies shot series. She has walked dogs, played with kittens, done transports, errands and even heavy lifting of equipment. She helps in behavioral evaluations and names the animals for adoption (apparently my idea of assigning them numbers such as w-15-47 is not good enough, LOL!).

She has been invaluable in our fundraising efforts as we attempt to raise money to build a new animal shelter. She has grown into the animal shelter lead volunteer and now trains other volunteers. She has cried tears of sorrow as an animal passes over the Rainbow Bridge and tears of joy as an animal is adopted into its forever home.

Jessica was named the Connecticut Animal Shelter Volunteer of the year in 2012, which is a very prestigious recognition. Her hard work has helped hundreds of animals and freed me up to do the calls and complaints that I have to deal with on a daily basis. Thank you Jessica for all your hard work and dedication to the animals, you have made a HUGE positive difference at the animal shelter and I wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate your tireless efforts!

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