April became National Volunteer Month as part of President George H. W. Bush's 1000 Points of Light campaign in 1991. We celebrate the beauty and heart of all our Cavalier Rescue of Florida volunteers. Meet our team! xoxo
Leader of the Pack, Tracy Baker, who leads our wonderful, selfless, loving volunteers at Cavalier Rescue of Florida. Like the rest of us, Tracy Baker was captivated with this incredible breed when she was shown a photo of a friend’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy! So much adorableness and beauty in such a sweet, beautiful floofy package. With Olivia and Sydney it was a life changing addition to her family. Tracy was inspired to get more involved and was shocked to discover that this breed dogs had a rescue group OR could need rescue at all. After fostering dozens of cavaliers over the past eight years, Tracy landed in the Executive Director role, where she is responsible for the many decisions helping these beautiful creatures on their road to health and happiness.
Tracy works hand-in-hand with our all-volunteer team covering this expansive state of Florida, all of whom jump in at a moment’s notice to rescue Blenheim, Black and Tan, Ruby and Tri-color cavies, anticipate and vet their needs, transport them to priority care and loving fosters, and ultimately ushering them to safety. “Nothing is perfect, but we lovingly treat all the pups as if they are own, safety is key,” says Baker.
The organization and all of its moving parts have thrived under Tracy’s watchful eye.
There are more thorough background checks for dog rescue volunteers, fosters and adopters
Greater medical care and rehabilitation
Faster response times to inquiries and rescues
Detailed record keeping
Very earnest fund raising efforts, donation success and strategies to give
Plus, very importantly, more effective communication through social media, website and delivering information to adopter families.
Her greatest reward is seeing the transformation of the cavies from intake to their fur-ever homes. They can be overweight or underweight and they typically arrive sad, scared, neglected, and many times feeling unwell. Safe from previous precarious situations, including frightful puppy mills, with love and medical attention, the rescued pups are transformed into happier and healthier dogs. Often, they arrive as bonded pairs, feeling comfort from each other.
“This is why CRF volunteers do what they do. Any time, day or night, anywhere in the state… Tracy adds, “we are in service to these beautiful creatures. We are very fortunate and blessed to have such wonderful volunteers who will do anything they can to help these dogs. We are so very lucky to have sweet cavaliers in our lives.” Tracy Baker
Volunteering shouldn't feel like another thing you have to mark off of your "to-do list." Whether you're a more hands-on worker or someone who enjoys administrative work, CRF has a role for you as a volunteer! From fostering, transporting, vetting, to helping organize thank you notes, reviewing online ads, applications, calling on referrals, there is a place for YOU to excel as a volunteer.
Love, the Cavies! XO