Since 2000, you can find Judy Holleman roaming the halls of Operation Kindness adorned in her red volunteer T-shirt with a dog leash in hand. Holleman is an iconic figure at our organization where she has volunteered almost daily — walking dogs, assisting medical staff and fostering pets as they await their new loving families. Now after 25 years, Holleman is reaching 10,000 lifetime volunteer hours, a huge milestone in Operation Kindness history.
Holleman said that she stumbled upon volunteering at Operation Kindness by accident, originally visiting the animal shelter to donate pet supplies, but then learning about the volunteer opportunities available. Since walking through the doors that day in 2000, she has been dedicated to helping the shelter pets grow healthy and confident.
“I love to take a dog that’s scared to death and work with them,” Holleman said. “I can help that dog every day and then all of a sudden, they are adopted.”
Over the past few years, Holleman has developed a passion for helping dogs that are in our Rees-Jones Foundation Medical Wing. While dogs receive medical treatment that may require them to be separated from the general shelter population, medical volunteers like Holleman ensure all pets are content during their stay by providing enrichment activities, socialization, long walks and much more.
Holleman said she sees the dogs in the medical wing as her “kids” and decided her time volunteering was better suited with them as they recovered from various treatments, while also helping the dogs break out of their shells. Seeing a vulnerable dog flourish into a healthy pup, to then watch as a family falls in love with them is a big reason why Holleman has given so much time to Operation Kindness.
During Holleman’s time at Operation Kindness, she has seen volunteering as just a hobby to pass time, but now it’s a need. Volunteering and spending time with the shelter pets has become Holleman’s life and is an experience she can’t imagine going without.
“For the past 25 years, Judy Holleman has impacted the lives of thousands of animals through her compassion and dedication,” said Ed Jamison, chief executive officer of Operation Kindness. “Our work is only made possible because of volunteers like Judy, we are thankful for their commitment to caring for the pets in North Texas.”
With National Volunteer Week running from April 20 to April 26 this year, there is no better time to join our dedicated volunteer team. We have 634 active volunteer members and over 50+ opportunities for volunteers to get involved with. From aiding with daily tasks such as cleaning enclosures, walking dogs and animal training, to specialized roles like aiding with fundraising events or tour groups, there is something for everyone.
Holleman encourages community members who have always been interested in volunteering at an animal shelter to come out to Operation Kindness and give it a chance.
“Enjoy yourself, learn as much as you can or just do what you want to do, and that’s the important thing,” Holleman said. “Come out and try it at least.”
