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VISTAS - Caregivers

JANUARY 2009

Volunteer Spotlight

When staff of the Older and Challenged Adults (OCA) program decided that they needed a volunteer who could assist with taking care of clients' pets, they weren't sure who they would find - perhaps a high school student who wouldn't mind changing litter boxes or a retiree who could assist in transporting animals to vet appointments. Never did they imagine that they would find an experienced veterinary technician willing to lend her skills and expertise to care for these animals as clients themselves.

Sitting at home one Saturday afternoon in the late spring, Amanda Messenger suddenly had an impulse to do something to better her community, something helpful for another. After a brief search on-line, she was able to find the Pet Support Volunteer opportunity with Family Service and knew that was the right opportunity for her and her love of animals.

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, the "volunteer state," Amanda has lived here in Indy for three and a half years. She is a vet technician at Pet Pals Veterinary Hospital in Nora and her workplace is extremely supportive of her volunteer experience and has even offered to be a resource to Family Service clients.

In her role as Pet Support Volunteer, Amanda aids older and challenged adults in caring for their beloved pets so that they may remain in the home and continue to bring comfort and happiness to their owners. She is also on standby for the staff to consult with their various pet-related questions. Amanda has done everything from diagnose and help treat a cat who had fleas to sharing the companionship of her own dog to area senior citizens. "I immensely enjoy interacting with each client (human and animal)," Amanda explains, "I cherish the opportunity to care for and think about someone/ other than myself, to me that's the best reward."

Although she finds her experience very rewarding, she admits that having to leave each visit is quite a challenge. Amanda would be perfectly content sitting and chatting, answering questions and playing with animals all day. Her motivation to continue volunteering is the love between man and pet. Amanda admits, "It's so special, I'd hate to see the bond broken, especially when people like myself can help out and ensure it isn't broken."


Click here to let us know you're interested in this or other volunteer opportunities with Family Service!