JANUARY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: HEATHER HARRIGAN

Heather Harrigan, based in Charlotte, NC, has made a remarkable impact on Happily Furever After Rescue (HFAR) despite the distance. As a lead volunteer at Anson County Animal Shelter (ACAS) in North Carolina, Heather began her volunteering journey in 2023 and soon connected with HFAR, fostering a collaboration that continues to make a difference. One of the highlights of this connection is Marco, the first dog HFAR rescued from ACAS—a special pup who still holds a cherished place in Heather’s heart as he awaits his furever home nearly two years later (he’s Jaclyn, the founder’s, current foster).

 

At HFAR, Heather plays a vital role in processing volunteer applications and coordinating foster placements for ACAS dogs. Her favorite aspect of volunteering is witnessing the transformation of shelter animals as they gain confidence and trust in foster homes, ultimately thriving in their furever ones. The joy of seeing these dogs experience love and security for the first time is a continuous source of inspiration for her.

 

One of Heather’s most cherished memories is seeing the first photos of ACAS animals in their foster homes, especially since many of the ones we’ve helped have been at their rural shelter for a year or more. Sadly, this shelter receives very low traffic and visitors due to its location. These snapshots often capture their first moments inside a home, marking the beginning of a new and hopeful chapter in their lives.

 

For those considering volunteering or fostering, Heather encourages them to take the leap, saying, "There's a unique joy that comes from seeing an animal thrive due to your care and attention. The sense of fulfillment from knowing you've made a positive impact in their lives is truly heartwarming."

 

Outside of volunteering, Heather is an elementary school teacher who enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Drew, and their fur family, which consists of five dogs and three cats. She also loves true crime—whether it's reading or watching—and continues to dedicate her time to helping animals in need through her work with ACAS and HFAR.

 

Heather’s dedication and compassion are an inspiration to everyone at HFAR and beyond, proving that even from afar, one person can make a tremendous difference in the lives of rescue animals.

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FEBRUARY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: LINDA & ERIC STONES

At Happily Furever After Rescue, we are honored to highlight the dedication and compassion of our incredible volunteers. This month, we celebrate Linda Stones and her husband, Eric, for their heartfelt commitment to fostering and their unwavering support of our mission.

 

Linda had wanted to foster for a long time, and after discovering HFAR through local events in town, she decided to take the leap in the summer of 2023. Just a month later, she and Eric welcomed their first foster dog, Bethany—a silly, fun-loving pittie-mix puppy—into their home. Bethany stayed with them for three months, bringing joy and laughter to their lives.

 

After taking a year-long break, Linda and Eric opened their home once again, this time to a sweet beagle named Susie. In a twist of fate, Susie found her furever home with Linda’s sister, making her adoption a bittersweet but heartwarming experience. Now, the couple is fostering their third dog, a gentle foxhound named Scarlett, and they continue to find joy in helping each dog grow and flourish.

 

When asked what she loves most about volunteering with HFAR, Linda shared that she appreciates the support and care provided by the organization. “I feel supported and listened to, and I like that Jaclyn ensures every adoption is 100% right.” For Linda, fostering is more than just providing a temporary home—it’s about helping dogs gain confidence and watching them blossom in their own unique ways.

 

One of her most cherished memories was watching Scarlett run freely in their yard for the first time after installing an electric fence. Seeing her foster dog bound out of the house with pure joy reinforced just how rewarding fostering can be.

 

To those considering fostering, Linda offers this advice: “It’s rewarding, it enriches your life, and it can bring you lots of happiness. It’s wonderful knowing that you are helping save a dog and playing a crucial role in finding them the perfect home. Plus, when you foster one dog, you’re actually saving two—because it opens up a spot for another dog in need.”

 

Beyond fostering, Linda is an artist with a passion for oil painting, particularly pet portraits. She has painted many dogs and is considering starting a pet portrait business. She and Eric also share a love for hiking, daily walks with their dog, Chester, and their foster dog, and exploring local nature preserves. In addition, they both enjoy singing and are active members of the Fairfield County Chorale and their church choir. Linda also loves to bake and cook, making their home a warm and welcoming place for both people and pets alike.

 

We are beyond grateful for Linda and Eric’s dedication to HFAR and their commitment to giving dogs a second chance. Their kindness, patience, and love make all the difference, and we can’t wait to see the continued impact they will have on the lives of our rescue dogs.

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MARCH VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: VIRGINIA DARE

Virginia Dare has been a dedicated, full-time dog trainer since 1991, driven by her lifelong passion for dogs and deep understanding of canine behavior. Over the years, she has continuously expanded her expertise through extensive education, hands-on experience, and volunteer work at various shelters—where the dogs themselves became some of her greatest teachers.

 

She began volunteering with Happily Furever After Rescue a few years ago, offering remote training assistance to foster families via Zoom. Virginia was eager to help when she realized how effective virtual guidance could be in reaching adopters and fosters beyond her immediate area. She enjoys supporting HFAR’s volunteers by providing practical training tips that help dogs transition smoothly into their foster homes.

 

When discussing volunteering and fostering Virginia says, “Be realistic about the time and energy you can dedicate, and choose a dog that aligns with your lifestyle. If you live in a small apartment, a large, high-energy dog that requires a fenced yard for exercise may not be the best fit. If you have other pets, ensure your foster dog will be comfortable and compatible with them. Love the idea of daily walks but aren’t physically strong? Avoid fostering a powerful dog with a history of pulling on leash. Prefer a quiet, relaxed home environment? An older, well-mannered dog might be the perfect match. The good news is that Jaclyn at Happily Furever After Rescue works hard to find you the right fit for you.

 

Virginia’s biggest piece of training advice? Start early, be consistent, and focus on positive reinforcement training only. Patience is essential, but setting clear expectations from day one and reinforcing positive behaviors can prevent small issues from becoming big problems down the road. Outside of training, Virginia enjoys gardening, photography, and exploring the art of hand-building with clay.

 

If you’re interested in dog training services, visit www.northstarcanines.com or email is virginiadare2013@gmail.com.