Meet RedRover Responders super volunteer Callie!
April 13th, 2024
By Devon Krusko, Field Services and Community Programs Manager
April is volunteer appreciation month, and we’d love to introduce you to someone who may be a familiar face. Meet our RedRover Responders super volunteer spotlight: Callie!
Callie lives in Portland, Oregon with her fiance Matt, and their amazing crew of dogs! Having fostered over 140 dogs, she has a special place in her heart for the super seniors, typically having up to six well-seasoned, sugar-faced pups that she is fostering or caring for. Callie has been on just about every type of deployment we offer: she’s built safe enclosures for dogs that live outside, handled and cared for animals during spay/neuter and wellness clinics, and responded at the last minute to build emergency shelters for cruelty and neglect situations.
Since becoming a RedRover Responders volunteer in May 2022, Callie has joined us on 14 deployments!
Callie started deploying in 2022:
- May – Beagle surrender
- Aug – Beagle surrender
- Sep – Dogfighting rescue with the HSUS
- Oct – Unchaining with Detroit Dog Aide
- Nov – Fences for Fido*
In 2023, Callie volunteered for all of our Community Program deployments!
- Mar – South Korean dog relocation with the HSUS
- Apr – Unchaining with Detroit Dog Aide
- May – Unchaining with Unchain Marlboro
- Sep – Unchaining and wellness clinic with the Parker Project
- Oct – Unchaining with Detroit Dog Aide
- Dec – Wellness clinic and winter ready event with the Parker Project
And in 2024, Callie has already deployed for one emergency situation, and one planned deployment, and will be joining us at our first partner event with the Pretty Pittie Committee in late April.
- Mar – Oklahoma animal rescue with the HSUS
- Apr – Pet wellness clinic with PAWS NELA
1. How did you get started as a RedRover Responders volunteer?
I was looking for opportunities to volunteer with animals and came across RedRover! I did my first deployment a couple years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since!
2. What keeps you coming back?
The people! I’ve met so many amazing people on deployment. It’s fun to be around a group of fellow animal lovers that don’t mind if you talk about dogs 24/7. I also love seeing the bonds between animals and their people when I go on community deployments.
3. What is the most fulfilling part of going on deployment?
Seeing firsthand the impact you can have on a community. Deployments are hard work, but it’s rewarding to see how your efforts create positive change in the lives of animals and their people. I always leave deployments feeling energized and inspired!
4. What would you tell someone who is interested in taking their first step as a volunteer?
Just do it! It may seem scary, but you’ll be supported the whole way by an amazing team and you’ll have a great time!
From handwriting hundreds of rabies certificates to installing hundreds of feet of kennel panels – she’s done it all! Always immensely patient, kind, and with a work ethic like you wouldn’t believe, we are incredibly grateful to know Callie and have her work alongside our team.
