Dennis sporting his 70's attire at our 30th Birthday Bash this Sept.

If you have visited our Adoption Center on a Tuesday or Saturday afternoon in the past eight months, then you have probably been greeted with a warm smile and kind words by this month’s featured volunteer, Dennis Price. 

Dennis transferred to Lakeland from Denver in 2001. As an IT manager, he opened up a call center for what used to be MCI/ Worlcom and is now Verizon. He had been with the company for 15 years when he “got caught in a Management Reduction in Force in December 2008…. that ended that,” Dennis states.  He’s currently still looking for work but there’s not much out there he’s finding, as I’m sure many individuals can relate.

After spending some time at home getting tired with the job hunt, Dennis decided that he needed to do something meaningful with his free time. Since attending our volunteer orientation in August of 2009, Dennis has donated over 200 hours to our organization.  In his life outside of the SPCA, Dennis keeps busy by slowly restoring a red 1974 Corvette Convertible and caring for his own pets. He has two dogs (a Golden Retriever and a Mini Schnauzer), one bird (a mini Macaw) and a saltwater reef tank.

Dennis has been an amazing asset to our organization since he started. He excels at customer service.  He has our staff singing praises about him for his positive attitude and sense of humor. Our staff describes Dennis as nothing short of “phenomenal”. He is “happy-go-lucky and always has a great attitude,” staff member Kim Grassano stated. They all concur that Dennis repeatedly “makes the customers SO happy.” He never points which way to go, he actually takes the time to make them feel welcome, and more importantly, leads the way and escorts them into the catteries, puppy room or kennel.

Dennis also has a wonderful sense of humor, and makes us laugh. Who doesn’t want to be around someone who makes them smile and feel GREAT?!?  He knows just what to say as a greeter and tour guide.

On our busy Saturdays, he finds the time to make each guest’s visit very special; including the dozens of Girl Scout Troops he has provided tours for the last several months. In these instances, he is a humane educator and shares with them what we do and how they can help homeless pets. 

Our greeters, including fellow volunteer Stephanie Principato, are the first impression of our facility when they are here. They both know how to spread that great feeling and make each individual that walks into our doors feel extremely welcome, and for that we are very grateful.

Dennis says he loves being around our staff and, of course, the animals. He is honored that he was chosen as this month’s recipient and says “volunteering at the SPCA is probably the best idea I’ve had in a long time.” 

I asked Dennis to share some of his most memorable experiences while volunteering with us during these past eight months. He fondly remembers the couple with the 19 year-old blind dog. They brought him in to find him a friend and moments like these “really touch my heart,” he says.

Meeting such a diverse group of people that walk through our doors, and hearing their stories about their pets have all had a profound effect on Dennis. “I think I’m a better person having met all of them.” He also adds, “I love it when the dogs or cats that I’ve become attached to finally get good homes. Now that’s rewarding. When that happens, if I could…. I would do a happy dance.”

Dennis stated that it is nice to work with such dedicated people. “I can’t say enough good about the staff; they are a true joy to be around”.  He says that we do more good for him than he does for us.

Well, Dennis, this last comment alone shows us even further why you so deserve this recognition. You are such a generous, inspirational and kind-hearted individual. We are so appreciative that you keep coming back to us each week! 

 THANK YOU Dennis, and all of our amazing volunteers, for what you give to this organization.  We couldn’t possibly find all of the happy homes we do without you being here.

 To spread good cheer like Dennis and our other volunteer team members, please apply online at www.lovemyspca.com or call Alane at 863.646.7722 x 112.