When it comes to helping animals, there is nothing Karen and Derek Holland won't do. For more than 20 years, the Hollands have opened their hearts and their home to distressed animals in need of a safe space. In recognition of their efforts, they received a BC SPCA Volunteer of the Year Award at a special ceremony held in Vancouver May 27.
"Karen Holland has stood by this branch for more than 20 years, serving on the community council and doing everything imaginable to help out. If there is a limit to her generosity, time and patience, we have yet to reach it," said Sunshine Coast SPCA branch manager Shannon Broderick.
Whether it's walking dogs, scrubbing kennels, counselling potential adopters or serving on the society's board of directors, Karen dives in with enthusiasm. "Karen has an amazing ability to capture each animal's personality and showcase him or her in a way that maximizes the animal's chance of being adopted," Broderick said.
Holland highlights at least 300 animals a year in her work promoting animal adoption for the Coast branch through the advertising board at Sunnycrest Mall.
"A lot of animals get adopted from that board - what she does is so crucial," Broderick said.
Her passion for animals is evident in a branch blog she created and updates as well as in the news postings she does for Coast Reporter. After putting in volunteer time for the branch, Karen "races home to her own animals" - two dogs and three cats - all SPCA rescues.
In 2008, the Hollands started fostering puppy litters, after Broderick asked them to take on an emergency foster of a great dane and her nine one-week-old puppies. "We rely on them so much - I say yes to taking in litters of pups, knowing I can rely on them. A lot of dogs just wouldn't make it if the Hollands didn't step up to the plate," said Broderick.
And the Hollands don't just foster the pups, they also get them used to a normal environment, including being around other animals. This is a critical part of the puppies' socialization process and increases their chances of being adopted.
"We appreciate the Hollands so much - I don't know how we would run the shelter without them. We certainly wouldn't be able to help as many animals as we do now."
-Submitted
