From our Volunteer Coordinator, Alane:
This month’s featured volunteer is one of our hardest workers here. John Gotthardt (Jack as we know him) moved to Florida from Texas in January of 2009. He started working part-time at Home Depot and was looking to give back and volunteer his time working with animals. Living in Winter Haven, he thought he would try to help at his local Humane Society. When he walked in, he was unimpressed to say the least. He was not greeted, not shown where to go and he left feeling disappointed and uninterested in volunteering for them. Shortly thereafter, he decided to check out our facility. He was amazed and truly enjoyed his visit. He applied to volunteer, and the rest was history! Since attending last July’s orientation, Jack has donated close to 300 hours to our organization. Besides working diligently in the puppy room a few days a week, Jack also helps out with off-site adoption events such as PetSmart Davenport and special events in his area. He assists with some of our pet therapy events, driving to Manor at Carpenters and also delivers Ani-meals food. It’s crucial to have volunteers that we can trust to drive our pets safely to their off-site event or location. He always says “yes” to our last minute requests when he is able, and always shows a great attitude, no matter how mundane the task.
Jack drives from Winter Haven twice a week, arriving sometimes as early as 7:30 a.m. some mornings to get his start walking the small dogs and scrubbing the puppy room cages. He does this knowing that he will be working by himself until most of the staff arrive at 9 a.m., but happy that he can help them out and have them start their days with less of a mess and less of a “to do” list. He then stays almost 7 hours, working with the customers and facilitating adoptions once we open to the public at 11 a.m. It’s no surprise that the staff is blown away by him. Not many people thank US when they are the ones volunteering their time, but Jack is one of those very special people. He always has a smile and gives 110%. I hope he does not mind my mentioning that he is 79 years of age…. and doesn’t look or act a day over 50!
In his life outside the SPCA, Jack has two daughters who live in Pennsylvania and Texas, and four grandchildren. He had been looking for a dog, and he fell in love with his perfect match a few months ago when he adopted Hilde, a four year old min-pin from the SPCA. He is a dedicated dad. He takes her to obiedence classes with Debbi Snyder and is also helping her get healthy (she was quite overweight when he took her home!).
Jack, words cannot express our appreciation for being such a great team player and ambassador for the animals. We have ALL noticed your hard work and dedication these past 8 months and are so thankful that you stepped onto our campus. It’s individuals like you that render it the “Campus of Kindness.”
To become a member of our volunteer team, please apply online at www.lovemyspca.com or call 863.646.7722 x 112.
