Honouring 19 years of helping animals: Thank you to volunteer Mr. Straney!

Every day for the last 20 years, David Straney has visited the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre to walk dogs waiting for forever homes.

“The exercise keeps me fit, I’m 89 years of age. It’s beneficial for me and beneficial for the dogs,” says Straney.

“Mr. Straney” as he’s affectionately called at the centre, always carries his trusty camera with him, and follows the story of every dog, making sure to photograph their journey along the way. His favourite photos are of dogs with their new families after being adopted.

Straney says he will typically spend an hour every day walking dogs at the centre.  He says he’s a dog lover, and appreciates having a way to contribute to his community.

“I’m glad I have the opportunity to do it and that I have the ability to do it,” he says.

Staff say he makes it out to every event and makes life around the shelter easier for staff and more enjoyable for the dogs.  Along with the joy of walking dogs, Straney says he loves working with the staff too, who give him cake for his birthday.

“Most of all, the people who work there are very friendly, and they’re very good at what they do,” he says, “I appreciate the friendship.”

Thank you, Mr. Straney, for caring for the dogs at the Midland centre. We appreciate it so much!!

Interested in volunteering?

If you’re interested in volunteering at one of our Animal Centres, we’d love to have you on board! Visit this site for more information on volunteering and our organization.

Happy National Volunteer Week!