• How did you get started with CBR? 

Our sweet boxer, Ali, passed away in January in 2021 – Shortly before we started planning our move to the Charlotte area. After falling in love with the breed, we knew we wanted to adopt another boxer in the future. I did a lot of research of different Boxer rescues around the country when I came across CBR. When I saw the work they were doing, and how unique this rescue is I knew immediately that I had to get involved.

The very first weekend that I moved to Charlotte, I met up with some ladies from the Rescue (Elaina and Andrea) to learn more about a volunteer role they were looking to fill. As soon as I met them, I knew I had found my people. Their love of all dogs, their passion for the rescue and the eagerness to get more volunteers involved was so contagious an I am so thankful that I met them!

• How long have you been with CBR? 

I have been with the rescue for about a year. I started with doing virtual home visits and helping with some administrative work that was needed in the Northern Virginia area.

Then after moving, I did many transports in the Charlotte area. Now I am the Charlotte Area Event Coordinator!

I picture myself with the rescue for many years to come and helping in any way I can.

• What is your role/roles now? 

I am the Charlotte Area Event Coordinator. I plan and execute all fundraising events in the Charlotte area with the help of other volunteers as well! I also still do transports when needed, since they are so much fun!

We also plan to foster for the first time later this year.

• What has been the best part about volunteering with CBR? 

One of the best parts of volunteering for the rescue is the people I have met.  I already know some of the people I have met through CBR will be lifelong friends. The volunteers, as well as the community I meet at different events are always so excited to talk about Boxers and eager to help in any way they are able.  The passion from other Boxer people is so energizing and is a lot of the motivation behind why I love to volunteer for the rescue!

I also love knowing the direct connection between the money I am able to raise at events, to the specific care needed for dogs that come into the rescue.  I absolutely love seeing the progress dogs make both physically and mentally during their time at the rescue due to the treatments we are able to provide them with. It is really incredible!

• What has been the hardest?

One of the hardest parts about volunteering is seeing what these dogs have been through before finding their way to the rescue. Especially during transports, it is obvious to see that many of the dogs have not been treated well. Before volunteering for the rescue, it felt easy to just turn a blind eye to the cruelty and hardships these dogs face, but now it is so prevalent and can be overwhelming.

It is bittersweet knowing what the dogs have been through, but also to see how lucky they are to finally be in such good hands now.

• Best memories? 

I will never ever forget the feeling after my very first event that I organized in the Charlotte Area. It was such a successful event, and many volunteers from all over the place came to support me. The sense of community was overwhelming!

Not only did we raise a lot of money, but I also recruited a few additional volunteers to help in my area! I still remember driving home practically in tears because of how proud I was of the work we did and thinking about how proud Ali would have been of her mom 

• What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering? 

If it is something you’re thinking about but are unsure, give it a try and I can promise you will not want to turn back. It is incredible how much impact one volunteer can make in this rescue.