Volunteer Spotlight: Dianne Nevius

This year we’re bringing back our “Volunteer Spotlight” section. We appreciate each and every volunteer because without them, we could not rescue any Goldens. Our volunteers handle everything from fund raising to home visits to transports and all things in between! It really takes a village to keep our rescue alive and healthy. This quarter we’re featuringDianne Neviuswho has been volunteering with us for 10 years! We interviewed Dianne to get a better idea of who she is and why she loves rescuing Goldens with RAGofAZ.

What volunteer positions have you held and what role(s) are you currently in?

I have been the coordinator for the Happy Valley Barnes & Noble gift wrapping for the past 8 years, Microchip manager for 9 years, Woofline Coordinator for 9 years and I have been on the Home Visit Team for the past 8 years.

Tell us a little bit about your family, including any current pets.

My husband and I have been married for 34 years. We blended our family and added a baby to make 5 children. We now have 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild. We currently have Meg, a 13 year old English Setter and Toby our 5 year old Golden Retriever (non-RAG).

Can you tell us a little about your own experience with rescued Goldens?

We have had Goldens for over 20 years. Duke and Duchess were our first and they each lived 13 yrs. old before Cancer came along. Teddy, our RAG dog, came into RAG with a litter of 6. He had an amazing soul. He was epileptic. A second medication caused him to have Megaesophagus. For a year he would aspirate, get pneumonia and then recover. We finally had to let him go to the Rainbow Bridge. Unfortunately, he only lived 4 years and passed away 6 years ago. He was an amazing RAG volunteer as is Toby. Toby is a large Golden with a heart to match. He loves volunteering. If he isn’t coming with me, I have to put my RAG shirt on in the garage because he gets so excited when he sees it. Like all Goldens, he is so gentle and loving.

How did you get started as a volunteer with RAGofAZ?

I saw RAG at gift wrapping one year at B & N after we had lost our Duchess. The following September we adopted Teddy. I saw the need to educate people about all rescues and was so grateful for Teddy. I feel so honored to be able to volunteer with such an amazing, giving group of people.

What has been the most rewarding experience as a volunteer so far?

I think being a part of each team is amazing. However, being on the Home Visit Team I have the opportunity to meet a family and see how much they want a Golden. Then I hear they had a dog placed with them and know they are so excited. I know how hard it is when you have to wait for a Golden. The very best is when I get to see the family with their dog at an event.

What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about becoming a volunteer?

I always tell them we have needs to be filled requiring an hour a week, everyday, or once a month. Find what their passion is and try different teams if necessary.

We thank Dianne for her years of dedication to our rescue and look forward to many more! Let’s give a round of applause for Dianne!