I started volunteering at Islay Dog Rescue in February 2020 with my younger sister, mum and dad.
We rescued our own dog in 2016 as we wanted to give a dog a second chance at a forever home. Having a rescue dog myself made me realise how much love they have to give even when they haven't had the best of starts in life.
In September 2023 I was asked to become a senior volunteer and I've never looked back. I enjoy dedicating my Saturdays to the rescue. Everyday can look slightly different at the rescue but generally I open up in the morning, feed them all their breakfast, clean their kennels, walk the dogs, complete inductions for new volunteers, complete adoptions, clean and tidy the rescue and most importantly gets lots of cuddles from all the dogs.
The best bit for me is when a dog is adopted. It's so rewarding to see a dog that we have all put so much effort into get a home they truly deserve. Over the years there has been many dogs that have captured my heart. But there was one in particular who really stole my heart.
His name was Troy. When he first arrived he didn't have the best of manners and didn't realise his own size but I could see how clever he was and just needed some time and effort put into him. Within no time he turned into the most beautiful boy and made everyone who met him fall in love.