Introduce yourself!
My name is Christine Hanko but I like to keep people guessing by often still using my maiden name, Connors, even 10 years later. By day, I’m a big math nerd, working as an actuary in the insurance industry but the minute the work day ends you’ll find me outdoors no matter what the New England weather is! I’ve been actively involved in animal rescue since 2015, taking in dogs, horses and even donkeys! Funny story – my husband, Matt, and I went a little outside the norm with our “pandemic pet”, rather than adopt a dog or cat like most rational people, we adopted two donkeys, Harley and Hoss. They are the smartest, most affectionate and hilarious animals we’ve ever had. The best part of the story, Matt used to have a Harley motorcycle…then we bought the farm…so I like to tell him that I got him a “Harley” again.
Your above and beyond efforts, specifically as a foster, have not gone unnoticed. What motivates you to continuously help out?
Watching each one of the pups that come through Dog Star transform right in front of our eyes is really incredible. The resilience of these dogs is like nothing else. I love being that soft landing for so many dogs while they are waiting for their forever home. And during that time, getting to learn more about them to share with potential adopters and also helping set them up for success by teaching them important house manners and basic obedience.
Recently, you had more than 5 fosters in your home. How did that go?
Swimmingly! We have 5 resident dogs (3 German Shepherds, a border collie mix and a doberman mix), so once you get to that many dogs, my favorite saying is “what’s one more?!” We are very fortunate to have a great setup in our house to accommodate all the pups and nearly 30 acres of land for adventures.
What is your favorite Dog Star movement or activity?
All of it! But if I had to choose, it would be transport days. The energy throughout the day is amazing, starting with the early morning hours preparing for the pups to arrive, through the afternoon adoption event. The number of volunteers that show up to help out throughout the day and pull it all off is really incredible.
What have you learned from Dog Star?
It’s truly incredible what a team of volunteers can accomplish! I’m still in awe that Dog Star is 100% volunteer based and that there’s so many people willing to help out with all the different aspects, especially standing outside in the rain and snow to make sure all the dogs are seen at adoption events.
Do you have any advice for volunteers?
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share ideas! I’m always happy to chat and you’ll also find that I ask a lot of questions because I want to know what’s on your mind or how I can help. Also there is no effort too small or too big. The dogs appreciate every minute you can put in to help them on their journey to their forever home.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization. Rescue work is not easy and it can be extremely emotional. Something I experienced very recently. I’m sure many saw my bittersweet goodbye to foster Travolta (now Jackson) at the Bristol adoption event. He was a very shy boy who had been through a lot as a pup, with many visible and invisible scars to show it. He had been with us for several months and we became extremely bonded. I knew it was going to be hard when the day came to let him go but when I saw him with the green adopted bandana on, I was overcome with the roller coaster emotions, both happy and sad tears were flowing! I couldn’t fathom that he wasn’t coming back home with me but was so happy he found his forever family that was going to spoil him rotten (and they are!). I’m so grateful for all the volunteers that supported me in that moment; and I look forward to offering that same support right back.