We met with Martha Gromotsky (MG) to learn more about her day of giving experience volunteering at The Little Red Dog, an organization passionate about finding permanent homes for dogs.
AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?
MG: I volunteer for The Little Red Dog (TLRD), a local dog rescue foundation in Southern CA.
AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?
MG: The Little Red Dog rescues dogs from high kill shelters across Southern California, rehabilitates them through dog behavior and finds them forever homes. Their saying is, “We are on a mission from DOG.”
AC: Was this your first-time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.
MG: I have been volunteering for TLRD for about two years.
AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?
MG: I had to pass a background check and complete a dog training course.
AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?
MG: I am a dog lover and years ago volunteered at a local animal shelter. I decided to try something new when looking for volunteer opportunities a couple of years ago and found TLRD. I love what they do and stand for.
AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?
MG: Every week I spend time exercising and training dogs. Often, I get to work with the same dogs until they are adopted. There are always new dogs being brought in for training. I love getting to know the dogs and seeing the progress being made from the volunteers working with them. It often helps redirect certain behaviors they had when rescued and makes them more adoptable. It is so heartwarming when they find their forever home. Bittersweet of course, as I won’t see them again, but I feel so happy for them and the family they are going to be with. If I didn’t love what I do, I would be volunteering elsewhere by now.
AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?
MG: So many organizations survive basically on the work done by volunteers along with the funds that they receive. The organizations do so much good but can’t do it without help. It feels wonderful to know you made a difference in the lives of others with just a few hours of your time. Think of something you like to do. There is something out there for everyone’s interests, and the recipient of your time and effort will be so grateful for anything you are willing to give.