At Animal Ark, our volunteers play an important role in exercising and socializing our cats and dogs throughout their stay with us. This month, we would like to recognize Julie MacDougal, as our volunteer of the month for her generous contributions as a dog volunteer. Julie joined our volunteer program in July, and has gone above and beyond in helping at events, spending time dog walking, and socializing with the animals.  Here is a quick Q&A about Julie and her experience volunteering with us:

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Animal Ark?
The thing I enjoy most about volunteering at Animal Ark is seeing the dogs happy. They love being outside and experiencing all the smells on our walks or when they get to play in the Ark Park. They are so happy when it’s their turn to be taken for a walk and get some treats! It’s just so much fun to see the dogs so frisky when they get outside.

What got you interested in becoming a volunteer with us?
I have wanted to volunteer at Animal Ark for years and now is the time. With one daughter in college and the other in high school, it felt like I now had the time to commit to volunteering.

Do you have any other pets at home?
I have two dogs at home – River and Sky who are 7 and 4 year old Goldendoodles. 

When you’re not volunteering, what are some other ways you enjoy spending your time?
In my free time I also volunteer with a local theater as their treasurer and helping with the box office and concessions. I also enjoy traveling, gardening, biking and spending time with my family.

Some additional fun facts about Julie:
I’m a do-it-yourselfer.  I built an A frame treehouse and a kayak stand and I did the demolition of our kitchen and bathrooms.

Again, we would like to congratulate Julie in becoming out October volunteer of the month! If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer, please check out our volunteer information page to apply: https://www.animalarkmn.org/volunteer.html