“ONCE I’d adopted Maisie, which was only a couple of months after the centre opened, I knew I wanted to help dogs still waiting to find a family of their own.”
Mo Bowes is one of the longest-serving volunteers at Denton-based Dogs Trust Manchester.
The dog lover has just celebrated a decade of helping out at the rehoming centre on Parkway – where she adopted a Crossbreed in January 2015.
Mo, from Denton, says she can’t imagine life without volunteering or Maisie, who is now 11 years old but had a tough start in life having been found abandoned with lots of other dogs.
The 70-year-old has performed many roles from dog walker and receptionist to kennel cleaner and managing the laundry – a never-ending task as more than 100 dogs can be cared for at the centre at any one time.
“I have enjoyed every role I’ve had at Dogs Trust Manchester, and I love doing the laundry,” she said.
“It piles up every day and it’s so important that the dogs can be comfortable and happy in their kennels. I love seeing them relaxing or sleeping on a blanket or bed that I’ve got ready for them.
“Hopefully it makes their time at the centre a little easier to cope with and knowing I’ve done my bit to help, is really satisfying.”
Dogs Trust Manchester has around 30 volunteers who are a vital part of the team.
“We rely on them to make sure our dogs can have everything they need and that includes a continual supply of lovely, clean bedding,” explained Kerry Gormley, Volunteer Co-ordinator.
“Mo has turned her hand to many tasks during her ten years with us and we always know we can rely on her. She, and all our volunteers, are amazing and we want to say a huge thank you to Mo for being a constant source of support to staff and our dogs for the last 10 years.”
More information about volunteering at Dogs Trust Manchester can be found on the charity’s website at www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester