Volunteer Spotlight: Maureen & Larry
Ten years ago, Maureen had what seemed like a reasonable idea: foster a greyhound. She and her husband, Larry, already had three dogs at home, but Maureen thought fostering might be a meaningful way to spend her summer vacation from teaching.
A decade later, that decision has helped nearly 20 greyhounds on their way to forever homes.
Their first foster, Kyle, marked the beginning of what has become a longstanding commitment to CGA. Since then, Maureen and Larry have fostered nearly 20 dogs, helping each one make the transition to home life and ultimately find a family of their own. They still hear from Kyle’s adopter, John, who sends texts and photos with updates.
For Maureen and Larry, fostering is rewarding in part because they get to watch that transformation firsthand.
It’s very rewarding to be part of helping a dog adapt to home life and watching them decompress and settle in.
Their own greyhound family has changed over the years. Today, they share their home with two 6-year-old foster fails: Serenity, a fawn, and Shadow, a brindle. And despite having two of their own, they continue to foster.
Their resident dogs have become part of the process, too.
“They learn so quickly from our resident dogs, and we enjoy the experience of meeting the dogs and helping to connect them with their new families.”
Of course, nearly 20 fosters means nearly 20 goodbyes — and some have been harder than others. Maureen, Larry and their adult son, Dan, each have dogs who have held a particularly special place in their hearts. (For Dan, Maureen confirms, that dog will always be Ally.)
Being involved in the placement process helps.
“Sometimes it can be especially hard to say goodbye to those dogs, but being involved in the placement process helps us to be assured that the dog is going to a great home,” Maureen says. “That, and knowing that we are able to take another foster when we are ready, makes letting them go a bit easier.”
Their CGA involvement extends beyond fostering. They volunteer at events and enjoy reconnecting with adopters and former fosters at meet and greets, the annual fall picnic and other gatherings.
Those experiences have also introduced them to a community they value just as much as the dogs.
“We have met so many lovely people through the fostering experience and also through volunteering at CGA events that help get the word out about how wonderful these dogs are.”
Ask Maureen and Larry to describe greyhounds in three words and their answer is simple: mellow, loving and loyal.
They also wish more prospective adopters understood just how easily greyhounds can fit into everyday life. “In our experience, they adapt quickly and learn their new routines without much trouble at all. They are very loving dogs and like nothing more than spending time with their humans,” Maureen says.
They don’t require lots of room or a fenced yard and are very happy with a bit of exercise, fresh air and a comfy dog bed.
Now retired, Maureen and Larry have plenty to keep them occupied when there isn’t a foster underfoot. Larry, a carpenter, has become an enthusiastic woodturner, creating bowls and containers from different hardwoods. He also enjoys golf and working around their old home. Maureen, a retired English teacher, spends summer walking and gardening and is rarely without a book — in print or audio.
For anyone thinking about adopting a greyhound or volunteering with CGA, they recommend a very simple first step: come meet us.
“We’d encourage anyone interested in volunteering or adopting to come to an event and meet some of the dogs and the humans involved with CGA,” they say. “We think you will find that it’s hard not to get involved in some way.”