By Candy Kane Conrad, volunteer since 2017
Have you ever felt inspired to get involved after seeing a volunteer in action? That happened to me in 2017 when I saw a volunteer reading to dogs during a Joybound shelter tour.
My husband and I had just discovered Joybound (formerly ARF) while updating our trust. We found it to be a wonderful place for charitable contributions and legacy gifts. Since then, I’ve been actively volunteering at Joybound in various capacities, including helping out at the thrift store, taking dogs on potty walks, assisting with adoptions, treating cats with ringworm, supporting pets in recovery from surgeries, and recently, working at Joybound’s free pet vaccine and microchip clinics. Joybound’s vaccine clinics and other services, such as the FoodShare Pantry and Community Veterinary Care, remove obstacles for pet guardians and help keep families and their pets together.
“I love volunteering because of the diverse opportunities at Joybound.”
– Candy Kane Conrad
I love volunteering because of the diverse opportunities at Joybound. At the vaccine clinics, I help participants fill out vaccination forms.
One memorable experience was when I met a Veteran with his dog Rice. Hearing his story helped me realize how crucial it is to remove barriers preventing people from caring for their pets.
During another clinic in Walnut Creek, I encountered a young couple who lost their home and were living in their car with their two dogs. Assisting them with vaccines and food was a poignant reminder of why I volunteer — to support families in keeping their pets healthy and out of shelters.
