Volunteer Spotlight: Linda & Mike Mahoney

Linda Mahoney started volunteering at HSMO’s Macklind Avenue shelter as a dog walker in 2007 at the recommendation of her neighbor.

“She knew I loved animals, and I thought ‘why not?’”

A few years later, her husband Mike joined her. They had both grown up with animals and have always had one or two dogs and a few cats at any given time.

The Mahoneys walk dogs every Tuesday and Thursday morning, starting around 8 a.m. and finishing up when all the dogs have had a chance to get out for a walk.

“We walk as many as we can, dress in layers, and are prepared for anything!” Linda says. “It’s a lot of fun. Challenging at times, but fun.”

The most rewarding part for both Linda and Mike is knowing they’ve made a difference in the shelter dogs’ lives every time they come in to volunteer.

“When we walk them, the dogs are able to stay in a good frame of mind so they can be more easily adopted and stay in the home,” Linda says. “You know you’ve helped.”

When asked about their most memorable moments from volunteering over the years, Linda notes the dogs they’ve adopted from HSMO, along with being driven by wanting all the shelter dogs to go to loving homes.

“We just really like what we’re doing to help, and we like to talk about our favorite dogs and who got adopted,” Linda says. “I don’t think volunteering here could check more boxes for me. I always feel good when I’m done with a shift.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at both of our locations, click here.