Haags Epitomize Spirit of Volunteerism at Dearborn Animal Shelter

DEARBORN, MI – More than 300 volunteers pitch in to provide shelter and, eventually, permanent homes for the animals whose lonely road takes them to the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

Their contributions are all important and treasured, the leaders of the shelter say, but no one epitomizes more the spirit of volunteerism that keeps the nonprofit shelter humming than “the endlessly talented Kathleen and Gavin Haag,” Elaine Greene, the shelter’s executive director, said in a news release.

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The shelter is paying tribute to the Haags and other volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 10-16. This is the 42nd annual observance of the week set aside to inspire people to make differences in their communities, and to recognize those who do.

Gavin Haag, a retired fastening technical specialist for Ford Motor Co., said he and his wife were fortunate to be able to retire early. Kathleen Haag is retired from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

“We … wanted to share that fortune with those in need who could use our skills,” he said.

“Gavin lends his immense facilities knowledge to keeping our tired building running as efficiently as possible, while Kathleen is the business manager for our New Shelter project, something she knows intimately from her career with the University of Michigan-Dearborn,” Green said.

Among the areas where the Haags been most involved is in the development of new processes for the medical treatment of animals, including donating a new medical cart, and creating a communications and documentation process that includes donated computers for use in the animal care areas.

We could not even begin to unfold a project of this magnitude with our already over-worked staff and resources,” Green said.

The shelter’s hundreds of volunteers are involved in all aspects of animal care at the Dearborn Animal Shelter, but there are other ways that people can volunteer outside of the shelter walls, including:

• Staffing events;
• Making fundraising calls and stuffing envelopes;
• Maintaining the garden and property around the shelter;
• Sharing the organization’s adoption and animal welfare messages with others on social media.

“I am one of those people who is afraid to be in the animal areas too much, because my desire would be to take all of them home, so the volunteer time I dedicate is mostly with the humans or technology side and not in the shelter facility itself,” Kathleen Haag said. There’s truly something for everyone to do and every job is important.”

Last year, Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter, which operates the shelter, recognized the Haags for their dedication with its highest volunteer honor, the Heart & Soul Award.

“Gavin and Kathleen are the kind of people that many aspire to be, kind, generous of heart and willing to share their talents with others,” Greene said. “They are so knowledgeable and helpful, that they are volunteers who give us inspiration and hope every day for the animals.”

Kathleen Haag said that animals are such a big part of personal life that supporting homeless animals through volunteering is both satisfying and rewarding.

“The people here are extremely committed to animal welfare and adoption; and volunteering with them is deeply appreciated and greeted with enthusiasm,” Gavin Haag added.

How to Volunteer

If you’re interested in volunteering, the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter is always looking for additional volunteers, including youths ages 14-18 and adults. Novice and experienced volunteers are welcome.

To find volunteer opportunities, visit DearbornAnimals.org and click the “volunteer’ button, email volunteer coordinator Katie Johnson at volunteers@DearbornAnimals.org or call her at (313) 943-2697, Ext. #3555.

The Dearborn Animal Shelter is located at 2661 Greenfield Road, and is operated by the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Image credit: Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter