Creating a caring community, one dog walk at a time.

For Kathy, volunteering has always been a way of life. “It’s part of my DNA,” she says. Even before retiring and moving to Edmonton, Kathy knew she wanted to make a difference. “I put together a list of organizations I’d like to volunteer with…the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) was at the top,” she explains. With over two decades of experience with rescue dogs, Kathy felt a deep connection to EHS’ mission and was eager to contribute her time and passion.

Kathy’s Story

In April 2019, Kathy began volunteering by walking dogs. Since then, she has taken on several roles, including training new dog walkers, assisting with laundry and dishes, and collecting EHS’ coin donation boxes. But the role that has a special place in her heart is working alongside her dog Cinco – an Animal Ambassador for EHS, whom she adopted in 2022.

Cinco, meaning ‘five’ in Spanish, is Kathy’s fifth adopted dog. He arrived at EHS after being found with a face and neck full of quills. After surgery to remove the quills and a period of recovery, Cinco was soon ready to go home with Kathy. The two completed special training together and now attend events like EHS’ Pets in the Park festival, kids birthday parties and community fundraisers. “I especially enjoy introducing people to Cinco and sharing with them why EHS is such an amazing organization,” Kathy says.

What keeps Kathy coming back to EHS is the opportunity to make a difference. “Volunteering is a concrete way of giving back to my local community and making it a better and more caring place,” she reflects. Kathy enjoys working alongside other volunteers who share her passion for animal welfare. “There are amazing people—volunteers, staff and folks in this city—who really care about humane animal welfare,” she says.

Her volunteer journey has also deepened her understanding of the human-animal bond. “I’ve learned so much about helping canines overcome difficult backgrounds,” Kathy explains. For her, volunteering is both about giving and growing. “If you work with the animals, you learn a lot about yourself in socializing them.”

Kathy’s dedication to EHS helps foster a positive, supportive culture that attracts others who share her passion for animal welfare. “There is something for everyone,” she says, reflecting on the variety of volunteer roles offered throughout the organization. “I really enjoy interacting with other volunteers and seeing their care for the dogs.” Her contributions are a testament to the difference volunteers make at EHS—building connections, changing lives and creating a more compassionate community.