Executive Director Focus Dear Friends, The first time I met Linda, I was greeted with a warm smile and a great big “hug” from her dog, Thunder, a Siberian Husky. Linda and Thunder were a volunteer team for Pet Therapy visits at the local nursing homes and I (a sophomore at Oregon State University) had just signed up to volunteer with them on their weekly visits. Linda and I (and Thunder) spent months together, visiting weekly with the residents and letting Thunder work his magic of bringing smiles to each person he met. I watched the joy that he brought each week, to residents and staff and Linda and I often joked that we wished we had the same welcoming that Thunder got each week. He made them laugh, licked their tears away when needed, and sat quietly with them in their final days. He just somehow knew what was needed from him by each person.
I realize now, looking back, how important this volunteer experience was for me on so many levels. Linda and I became fast friends. She introduced me to her love of dogs and her selfless heart taught me about looking for ways to brighten everyone's day. Thunder taught me to smile (he just wouldn’t let you have a bad day) and how important the human animal bond truly is. That was many years ago, but I still remember that first day of volunteering with Linda and Thunder. I still smile when I think of the happiness and joy that Linda and Thunder brought to this world. It’s the same feeling I get when I see each of you, SafeHaven friends and volunteers, walking shelter dogs, fostering animals, fundraising, or giving of yourself in some way to help the animals. You remind me each day how lucky I am to be part of this amazing journey with you. I truly believe Linda helped me find my passion and that Thunder stole my heart. When my husband and I got our first dog, we named him Thunder in honor of a very special dog whose “volunteering” brought joy to so many. For the animals,
Chris Storm Executive Director
