Volunteer >> Volunteer Spotlight

Deb and Quincy

7 Questions: Deb Couture

How did you get involved in volunteering with Our Companions?

It happened by accident, actually:  I met someone who was volunteering for Our Companions. I had never heard of OC, and she explained it to me.  I went to the OC website. I got so excited about it being in our area that I looked into getting involved.  At the time I was just finishing up my schooling to become a certified dog trainer. I had been working in rescue for about 8 years at this point but had never come across a group as unique as OC.  I thought this was a way to be involved in the community, rescue and train dogs at the same time. So at that point I decided to get out of the breed rescues that I was working with and concentrate on OC. I still help out with the breed groups from time to time if asked, but most of my effort is with OC.

What surprised you the most about volunteering?

I think it may have been what I learned going to school for dog training and doing my externship at a local training facility in Manchester. What I love the most about our Canine program is that is geared to help people learn how to have well-behaved dogs.  There are many training techniques out there, and they confuse and overwhelm people. The OC method not only makes it easier, but Our Companions offers it at a price that most people can afford to pay.  We have enough volunteers that each owner and dog in class can get individual help. That isn’t something you see in most training centers. 

What is your favorite thing about Our Companions?

The people who are involved with this group all have a mission and understanding that we can help make the world a better place for animals, one animal at a time.  Whether you are a cat person, a dog person, or just an animal person in general, there is a place for you in OC.  I am looking forward to being able to do more and more with OC.  I am excited to have the first cottage opening on the land, and for people to have something tangible to see and touch.  This organization has done so much; I can only imagine what is going to happen when the sanctuary opens.

What are the names and breeds of your pets?

I currently have 3 senior dogs, all Yorkshire Terriers: Darby is 16, Toby is 12, and Quincy is 10.  We rescued all of them. We got Quincy first, when he was a 5 ½- month-old puppy.  He is the reason I went back to follow my dream to work with animals again.  Darby came to live with us at age 6, and Toby we’ve had only for a couple of years. 

Thanks to Deb for this interview, and for all her work for Our Companions!

Previous Volunteer Spotlight

September 2011 - Deb Couture
June 2011 - Kathi Peterson
May 2011 - The Natchaug River Young Marines
April 2011 - Caroline Gaetano
March 2011- Carol Noyes
January 2011- Cathy Ferreira
November 2010- Gina Hoag
October 2010 - Helene Kapelewski
August 2010 - Lisa Ireland
May 2010 - Regina Radzicki
April 2010 - Veteran Volunteers
February 2010- Mandy Wieting
December 2009 - Pat McGuiness
October 2009 - Risa Davidson
August 2009 - Deb Soricelli
June 2009 - Henry Petrofsky
March 2009 - Jacquie Roy
Dec 2008 - Gretchen Labau
Sept 2008 Todd Johnston
July 2008 Lyn Garson
May 2008 Daryl Carbone
March 2008 Sue King
Jan 2008 Jon Phillips