Almost five years ago, retired and looking for a volunteering opportunity, without much idea of what I wanted to do, I went on the internet to search for ideas.

I came across North Clwyd Animal Rescue, who were looking for volunteer dog walkers, no set days or times. The flexibility was appealing. I love dogs and walking, an ideal combination. I wasn’t even sure where the rescue was.

One Saturday afternoon I set out to find the rescue as I wanted to get a feel for the place.

Had coffee and cake in Doris’s Bunker, and found the rescue centre a lovely, friendly, welcoming place, from the staff to the volunteers.

I went home and sent an email to arrange an induction later in the week. That was July 2018. Little did I think what a big part of my life the rescue would become.

I go 3-4 times per week, and spend the majority of the day there. I tell my husband I’ll be back in a few hours but he knows that’s very unlikely to happen.

As a volunteer you just give as little or as much time you are able. However much you can offer will be appreciated, and will be returned ten fold by the dogs.

The countryside around Trelogan is beautiful, with far reaching views. Getting out and about with the dogs obviously benefits them, but I can guarantee your physical and mental health will improve too. It’s a win-win!

I have my ‘regular’ dogs I walk, again your choice. This, to me, the bond you build with the dogs is the best part of all. I like to think that the dogs see ‘their’ volunteers as part of their rescue family, together with the staff who are so committed to their care.

We all love the dogs as if they were our own. You may well come to do the same.

Hope to see you soon.

Find out more about becoming a volunteer dog walker here

Hazel