OHS Volunteer Superhero

Every single volunteer who helps us is a hero! Sometimes, when one of our fabulous volunteers goes above and beyond in his or her efforts to help OHS animals, they become SUPERHEROES! Each month, we select one of these incredible people to highlight. Their efforts make such a difference in the lives of the animals and the communities we serve. This month's Volunteer Superhero is no exception!

Congratulations to Mary Laux for being named Ozaukee Humane Society’s Volunteer Superhero!

“Animals are simply wonderful, so I assumed that the people who work with them must be wonderful too, and OHS would be a perfect place to get rooted in the new community” Mary Laux remarked as she reflected on her decision to start volunteering at the Ozaukee Humane Society.

Since starting, Mary has demonstrated that she is another outstanding volunteer whose attitude, performance, initiative, and leadership reflects the spirit of the Ozaukee Humane Society. Mary has since mastered her positions as an OHS Teammate, PAWS volunteer, Special Events volunteer and even trained for dog walking so that she could safely handle dogs at special events.

OHS has an energetic, devoted, and willing group of OHS PAWS (Public Arrivals Welcoming Service) volunteers. After training, new PAWS volunteers are scheduled to shadow with designated volunteers in the position. Mary has provided shadowing experience to numerous new volunteers, and is not shy about sharing her knowledge with others. “I am extraordinarily customer service oriented—a client’s first contact with an organization may be the only impression they get so I want to make sure it’s the best impression we can possibly give. I stress this to the volunteers that shadow with me.”

In her Teammate role, Mary plays an integral role at both the shelter and at offsite adoption events at Pet Smart by closing the adoption after the paperwork has been processed. “Lending an emphasizing ear to clients and working with them is simply part of who I am.” During some of the busiest adoption hours and at offsite adoption events, Teammates like Mary assist staff immensely. “Seeing the animals in adoption is one of the best and toughest parts of the position, but you know that ultimately they all go to wonderful homes.”

What is your favorite aspect of volunteer work?
“If I had to choose one specific aspect of volunteer work that I most enjoy at OHS it would be the opportunity to observe the precious dogs who are waiting to be adopted. When they go to meet their prospective adopters, their tails are wagging and their eyes are hopeful. Dogs look to us for our approval and offer their unconditional love. It is a beautiful thing to see. It gets even better when a loving adopter walks out the door with his or her new canine friend.”

Why did you decide to volunteer at OHS?
“Being a relatively new resident of Ozaukee County, I wanted to find a way to become involved in the community. When I came across the OHS website and learned of their need for volunteers, I thought I had found a perfect match. What could be better than working with dogs? Since joining OHS, I now also appreciate cats, rabbits and other small animals too!”

Please tell us about your current pets and a few of the pets that you have had in the past.
“Buckley is a happy-go-lucky Cocker Spaniel who won our hearts with his freckled face. He has a wonderful temperament and has responded well to our early training efforts. Buckley is fourth in the line of Cocker Spaniels we have owned and loved over the years. The marvelous thing about having our dogs, aside from their beauty, love, and companionship, is the effect they have had on our family. Molly and Lewis, (sister and brother) and Kelly before them are central to the memories of happy times in our home. We pray that Buckley will be with us for a good long time.”

Mary has represented OHS at numerous special events, including the OHS Open house in fall, the Grafton High School Benefit Concert for OHS, “Runways and Runaways”, a Maurice’s fashion show, and many more. “I’m stunned by the generosity and support of people in this community who just donate and support the Ozaukee Humane Society because they just love animals. They don’t want their name on a plaque or any kind of special recognition; they simply do it because they’re concerned about taking care of the homeless animals in our community”.

Mary has set a new standard for PAWS volunteers, and we hope to have many years of support and outstanding devotion from this amazing volunteer. We sincerely hope that the patience and compassion Mary has shared with clients, staff, and animals will return to her many times. Mary is truly an example of someone who believes that it’s not what OHS can do for her needs, but what she can bring to OHS.

Now Accepting Applications for New Heroes!

Korinne is a shining example of the difference OHS volunteers make in the lives of animals and people. She's a real-life hero. You can be one, too! All you have to do is fill out a Volunteering Application and you'll be helping save lives in no time!