Honouring a decade of dedication from Manchester volunteer Maureen 

This Volunteers’ Week (2–6 June), Dogs Trust is celebrating the incredible contributions of its 3,800 volunteers across 22 rehoming centres. 

As Volunteers’ Week shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of volunteers, Dogs Trust Manchester is celebrating Maureen, who is marking an inspiring ten years of service. 

Since joining in 2015, Maureen has been a vital part of the volunteer team, generously giving her time, care, and energy to help dogs in need. Over the past decade, her compassion and commitment have shone through in everything she does, whether it’s comforting a nervous pup, pitching in with daily tasks such as laundry and cleaning or walking the dogs.  

Maureen’s journey to volunteering began during a difficult chapter in her life. After the passing of her parents, she found herself overwhelmed, as her Saturday morning routine was suddenly left empty. Then, she came across an advert in the local paper calling for volunteers at the newly opened Dogs Trust Manchester. It felt like fate was offering her a chance to rebuild herself.    

Maureen says “I had always been a huge animal lover, especially dogs. We had a rescue dog growing up and I always hoped to give back when the time was right.” 

She began volunteering as a Canine Carer on Saturday mornings. She’s also a regular helping hand at coffee mornings and fundraising events, always ready to lend her warmth and energy to support the cause she cares so deeply about.  

She fell in love with her now rescue dog Alfie, a Schnauzer-Poodle mix, also known as a ‘Schnoodle’, who had been handed in the day before by owners moving abroad. Sitting quietly in the middle of his kennel, she recalled how Alfie looked straight at her, and something clicked. She was immediately drawn to him and soon after he came home with her. He was five years old at the time, now, a sprightly 15-year-old, who is still stealing socks and hearts. 

But it’s not just the four-legged friends that make Maureen’s volunteering experience so special, it’s the sense of community and connection too. Over the years, she’s formed wonderful friendships with fellow volunteers and staff, all brought together by a shared love of dogs. 

Lisa Eardley, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, says, ‘’Volunteers like Maureen are at the heart of our work, they make an enormous difference to the lives of animals and people alike. It's been wonderful to see how volunteering has brought such joy and purpose back into Maureen's life. It’s an honour to celebrate her during Volunteers’ Week." 

From rebuilding her own life to changing the lives of countless dogs and giving one special Schnoodle a forever home, Maureen’s story is a shining example of the incredible impact volunteers make, and the healing power of animals and community. 

To find out more about volunteering at Dogs Trust Manchester visit:  www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester.