At Dog Star Rescue, our mission is powered by people. Every transport unloaded, every kennel cleaned, every dog fostered, trained, marketed, medically cleared, and ultimately adopted happens because volunteers show up — day after day — and donate their time, skills, and heart.
Volunteer hours are not just a requirement at Dog Star; they are the foundation of everything we do. From behind-the-scenes logistics to hands-on dog care, our volunteers make it possible for us to save lives, strengthen our community, and move closer to a future where every dog has a safe and loving home.
Over the past year, we’ve been proud to recognize a group of exceptional volunteers whose dedication exemplifies what volunteer service at Dog Star truly means. Each of these individuals has gone above and beyond, contributing countless hours that directly support our mission.
Celebrating Our Shining Star Volunteers
- Jim & Sue Lang (January) – As HQ coordinators, fosters, and event regulars, Jim and Sue brought organization, cost-saving insight, and leadership to Dog Star operations while mentoring fellow volunteers and supporting our growth behind the scenes.
- Virginia Carman (February) – A cornerstone of our medical and procurement teams, Virginia strengthened recordkeeping, transport coordination, and clinic operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compassion at every step.
- Cathy Pelkey (March) – Cathy’s impact reaches far beyond Dog Star. By bringing local high school students to volunteer weekly, she created meaningful service opportunities while supporting transport, events, and headquarters operations.
- Jenn Brown (April) – As the coordinator of our grants team, Jenn has played a vital role in securing funding for Dog Star’s future, strengthening our ability to grow and sustain life-saving programs.
- Karen Potterton (May) – A trusted leader and mentor, Karen’s kindness and guidance support new volunteers, foster families, and dogs with behavior needs, helping teams feel confident, supported, and successful.
- Katie Gerber (June) – Balancing fostering with a major role on our marketing and communications team, Katie’s work helps connect dogs with adopters while amplifying Dog Star’s mission every day.
- Arlene Sheketoff (July) – Arlene’s long-term dedication as a foster for Buster Brown exemplifies perseverance and compassion, proving that commitment and patience can change a dog’s life forever.
- Diane Kaczynski (August) – As a leader on the adoption and engagement teams, Diane’s thoughtful matchmaking and applicant support have helped countless dogs find the right homes.
- Nicole Rodier (September) – A foster, adoption specialist, and surrender coordinator, Nicole’s tireless service — including fostering over 100 dogs — has made an extraordinary impact on Dog Star’s lifesaving efforts.
- Randee Roucoulet (October) – Randee led Dog Star’s involvement in the Hartford Marathon from start to finish, building partnerships, organizing runners, fundraising, and even running the race herself.
- Claudette Azevedo (November) – Claudette’s commitment to kennel shifts and fostering high-needs dogs has given some of our most overlooked pups the chance to decompress, heal, and thrive in home environments.
- Marsha Kulcsar (December) – Marsha tirelessly works on numerous grants to support our Dog Star for Heroes and Full Bowls programs. Her dedication has helped secure more than $10,000 for these community programs.
Each of these volunteers represents hundreds — often thousands — of hours donated in service of dogs who need us most. Their stories remind us that volunteer time is not abstract; it translates directly into clean kennels, successful transports, stronger teams, better matches, and ultimately, more lives saved.
Why Volunteer Hours Matter
Dog Star Rescue requires volunteer hours because meaningful rescue work cannot happen without consistent, engaged support. Volunteer hours ensure:
- Dogs receive daily care, enrichment, and socialization
- Fosters and adopters are supported with education and guidance
- Operations remain organized, efficient, and sustainable
- Our mission grows through fundraising, outreach, and community partnerships
Every hour volunteered is an investment in a dog’s future — and in the strength of our rescue community.
To all of our volunteers, whether you give one hour a month or many hours each week: thank you. You are the heartbeat of Dog Star Rescue, and we simply could not do this work without you. 🐾
Find out more about how our volunteers and sponsors make a difference here.