Seen, Valued and Appreciated

National Volunteer Week provided a special opportunity for participants in our Dogs' Homes of Tasmania programs to be recognised for the meaningful contribution they make to the animals in care each week. 

Shara (R) gifting Train participants their thank you gifts

In a heartfelt moment, Dogs' Homes staff member Shara took the time to personally thank participants for their efforts. Sharing a thoughtful message about the vital role volunteers play in supporting both shelter operations and animal welfare, she acknowledged that every contribution from our participants matters—whether it's assisting with daily shelter tasks, helping build an animal's confidence through socialisation and training, or simply sitting quietly at-wire, offering comfort, companionship and a positive human connection. 

For many participants, hearing this recognition directly from a Dogs' Homes team member was incredibly meaningful. While HPHH staff regularly celebrate the difference participants make, receiving that validation from the shelter team reinforced something important: their contribution is seen, valued and appreciated. 

As a token of thanks, participants were presented with a special Dogs' Homes keychain and a keepsake message of thanks. The response was heart-warming. Participants were deeply moved with this recognition. They even eagerly asked for their certificates to be laminated so they could keep them safe, while one participant proudly added his new Dogs' Homes keychain to his other keychain collection as soon as he received it. 

What made this moment so powerful was the sense of belonging it created. Participants weren't simply being thanked for attending a program—they were being recognised as valued contributors to the Dogs' Homes community. 

Through this simple act of appreciation, participants were reminded that every interaction, every task and every moment of care contributes to the wellbeing of animals in shelter. For participants, the most meaningful impact comes not from grand gestures, but from knowing that their contribution matters and connecting with a sense of purpose.  

As one participant shared, “To me, volunteering means helping dogs get ready for their forever homes by teaching them positive behaviours and rewarding interactions”.