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If you happen to be shopping for a dog or cat at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services shelter sometime in the near future, don’t be surprised if Francine Moniz provides a little help.
Moniz was hired in May as the agency’s volunteer coordinator in May after a stint as the director of the Kootenai Humane Society in Coeur d’Alene. According to Nancy Hill, SCRAPS executive director, Moniz was the ideal person for the job.
“I’d heard some really good things about Francine,” Hill said. “She’s very committed and really wants to help the animals. She’s someone who cares and that impacts every aspect of what she does.”
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| After serving as director of the Kootenai Humane Society, Francine Monz was hired as volunteer coordinator for Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services in May. |
The attention to detail includes making sure visitors to SCRAPS understand animal shelter etiquette – everything from learning how to properly walk a dog to waiting one’s turn before utilizing the outdoor play area. Moniz also helps prospective owners navigate the background information on each animal’s “bio sheet,” a rundown of personality traits included outside the kennel.
“People appreciate it when I help them understand the paperwork on the kennels or assist them in taking a dog out,” Moniz said.
One day, Moniz said she would like to have enough volunteers to serve as adoption counselors for each person who comes into the shelter. SCRAPS continues to emphasize pet adoptions at various community events as well as regular appearances at places like Petco and PetSmart.
“There are so many people who love animals and want to bring a pet into their home,” Moniz said. “These outreach events remind people that there are wonderful animals in the shelter needing homes and provides a happy, positive experience for potential adopters -- not to mention the benefit of the dogs getting out of their kennels for a day.”
When she’s not working at the shelter, Moniz is caring for her own two dogs and volunteering time to foster animals and find them homes through resources like PetFinder.
This month, SCRAPS launched a new program called “Dog Walking 101” that emphasizes the basic steps in taking a canine for a stroll. The class will be taught on the third Saturday of each month. The volunteer orientation course, a requirement for all volunteers, is offered on the second Saturday.
Currently, SCRAPS has over 250 residents on the volunteer roll, although Moniz said “only about 20 to 30 are active.” In addition to dog walking and cat socialization, volunteers help with responsibilities around the office including sorting papers, stuffing envelopes, cleaning, data entry and giving tours. Others donate their time to assist with fostering dogs and cats, transporting animals to other shelters and helping with educational outreach.
Hill said county budget cuts have made volunteer contributions more vital than ever.
“Volunteers help us do so much more for the animals,” Hill said. “It’s a very rewarding experience for those who support our cause here. It’s about enriching the lives of the animals.”
Financial donations fund a variety of programs and positions at SCRAPS, including dog training offered free to the public each month. Moniz’s salary is paid through a grant from the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“We’re working to build up our donations so we can offer more things to help the animals and the community,” Hill said.
Moniz said she has seen how volunteers contribute valuable time in transporting and fostering dogs and cats who otherwise might be put to sleep.
“This is a special place,” she said. “The volunteers who stick with it know they are making a difference in the lives of animals and that’s a great reward.”
Want to find out more?
To learn more about volunteering at SCRAPS or adopting an animal, visit the shelter at 2521 N. Flora in Spokane Valley off Sullivan Road near the Spokane Business and Industrial Park or call 477-2532.
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By
Craig Howard
