Volunteer of the Month


The Anti-Cruelty Society is thankful to have so many community members interested in helping further our mission, and we are proud of the work of all our volunteers. Without the helping hands of the shelter volunteers, our animals would not be as comfortable and loved as they are on a daily basis. Each month on this page we will highlight a new volunteer to celebrate the wonderful and caring individuals in the Volunteer Department.

 

Volunteers of the Month, June 2008:

Stephanie Sauve

and Federico Sciammarella

 


Stephanie Sauve and Federico Sciammarella

 

How long have you been a volunteer and what program(s) do you participate in?

We've been volunteering with ACS since the summer of 2007.  We're involved with the Pet Visitation Program.

How did you decide to volunteer with the Anti-Cruelty Society?

We brought our dog Sasha to ACS training classes since he was a puppy.  It didn't take long for us to realize that his gentle nature, sweet temper and good looks would make him a prime candidate for visitations.  In addition, as lifelong Chicagoans, we are very familiar with ACS's great reputation for community outreach.  So, we knew that we'd be very happy volunteering with Sasha at ACS.

What is a typical volunteering session like for you?

We have two permanent assignments.  One of our assignments is with Hank, an Alzheimer's patient in Evanston.  I visit Hank with another ACS volunteer, Blair and her dog Raleigh.  Hank's daughter, Carrie, is always there with us on during our visits. Usually, all of us go on a long walk, and Hank walks Sasha and watches Sasha and Raleigh play together.  Our other assignment is with the Heartland Health Clinic located in Uptown.  During our visits with Heartland, we usually see between 6-10 residents who really enjoy visiting with Sasha and making him do tricks.

What is the best part about volunteering here?

We think that the Pet Visitation Program is terrific because the people that we visit really enjoy the time they get to spend with Sasha-we can see it on their faces.  It gives us all a chance to let go and focus on something other than ourselves for a couple of hours.  As far as Sasha is concerned, he's a bit of a ham, so we know that he enjoys all the attention.

Anything you would change about the shelter?

We don't think that I would change anything about the shelter itself-the facility is great.  However, We've told lots of friends about the Pet Visitation Program, and nobody seems to know about it.  We think that ACS should publicize it more.

Describe the most memorable volunteer experience you have had so far.

After a few visits with Hank, his daughter wrote a newspaper article about our visits.  Here is an excerpt: 

"Since our first visit, I've seen quite and improvement with Dad.  He has always enjoyed walks, but now he makes it a point to stop and pet every dog he meets.  He has made friends with Dakota, Murphy, Rufus, and the many other dogs that live on his block.  He is more open and seems much happier and social in general."

What is your day job and what do you like to do when not at the shelter?

Federico is a professor at Northern Illinois University and plays soccer in a social leauge.  Stephanie is an attorney by day and a jogger/runner when she's not in the office.  Of course, Sasha loves to join Stephanie on lakefront runs.  He thinks he's training for the Iditarod!

Anything else you would like to add?

We wish we could do the Pet Visitations as full time jobs. J

 

Thank you Stephanie and Federico for all the time and talents that you and your dog share with others. Your passion and dedication has helped many people feel the love that only a dog can give, and we appreciate all the ways you contribute to your community. You guys are invaluable volunteers and we are lucky to have you on our side!