Volunteer Spotlight
Atlanta Boxer Rescue is 100% managed and operated by volunteers. Whether fosters, transporters, application processors, event coordinators, or anything in between, we simply wouldn't exist without our dedicated volunteers. Each month in 2021, we will highlight one of these special people in a new series called Volunteer Spotlight.
Linda Craig
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
I retired in 1999 and my husband died a few years later. I had no family here. Then my Boxer died in 2011 and I adopted Polly from ABR in late 2011. Before the pandemic ABR used to have a few public events every year and I began attending the events, usually with Polly. Turns out Polly was my ticket to finding something meaningful in my life again. All the volunteers we met at the events were so warm, friendly, and welcoming. I decided I wanted these people as friends. We all had one thing in common…we love Boxers!!
In what area do you primarily volunteer?
I do home visits for potential adopters. Pre pandemic, I would often help at the events we had. And Polly and I always volunteered at Boxerstock, our major fundraising event at that time. Polly loved giving $1 kisses in the Kissing Booth. Those were fun times!
What do you like most about volunteering?
I absolutely love meeting all the wonderful people who want to adopt a Boxer. I want to mention that there is a new trend going on. Many people I meet now are previous Boxer owners and many ( maybe most) acquired their Boxers from breeders. But their children (yes, their CHILDREN) are insisting that they adopt, not shop. Thanks, kids. When I adopted Polly from ABR I realized I had a thousand questions the minute the home visit volunteer left my house. My goal as a home visit volunteer is to assure applicants know what to expect as they move forward in the approval process. I tell them who will contact them next, how to ask to meet a dog, explain the role of the foster, and most importantly to be patient because sometimes it can take a while to find the right dog. I advise them not to be disappointed or frustrated if they don't get to meet their first or second choice because new dogs come into the rescue all the time. Last but not least, I stress to not fall in love with a picture and to read the bios carefully.
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
People should know that it takes a village to run a successful rescue. And ABR has the most dedicated volunteers I've ever been around and no one gets not one single penny in this organization. We do what we do because we love the dogs. ABR followers should also know that the Georgia Department of Agriculture oversees all rescues in our state. There are rules and regulations which must be followed. Periodically someone from the Agriculture Department will visit an ABR board member and audit our operation. I'm not privy to everything they look at but I do know that ABR has a stellar reputation at the Department of Agriculture and at least one auditor has said that he wished all the rescues were as well organized as ABR. People might sometimes question why we follow certain procedures and the answer may be because it is required by the state. I'm proud to be a small part of an organization that "goes by the book." One last thing I would like people to know is that ABR's ultimate goal is quite simple: to match the right dog with the right family. It takes a village.
What do you do when you are not volunteering with ABR?
I enjoy gardening and I'm a huge sports fan. I like watching golf, love my Braves, and live and die for Georgia Bulldogs football…GO DAWGS!!
Do you have pets?
I have a 4 year old rescued Boxer, named Rosey. She's my best friend, the love of my life, the reason I get up in the morning. She's all Boxer (translation: she is not perfect and has a few bad habits) but I wouldn't change a thing about her. She is probably the smartest dog I've ever had. She has me trained well. We're a team and my life is full because of her.
Thank you Linda! For more information on volunteering, or to learn how you can get involved with ABR, click here!
Dona Adler
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
Getting involved with ABR was more of a happy accident. I moved from New York in 2014 and lived in Atlanta until 2016 during which time I met ABR's president Dianne DaLee when I auditioned to be a singer in her band, Chequered Blue. (I got the job :) As those who know Dianne would agree, it was pretty easy to become fast friends with her and we forged a relationship. Dianne was telling me one day that ABR had a need for a new bookkeeper and I quickly offered my time. I had lot of background in finance and always loved the work. I was a bank manager for many years and when I left the industry I started my own bookkeeping business. I was also the finance director for three different non-profits, so I felt my experience would be useful for ABR.
In what area do you primarily volunteer?
I live in south Florida now and I am very lucky to be able to do this work remotely. I can interact with vets and vendors and other ABR volunteers via email or phone and keep the finances running smoothly.
What do you like most about volunteering?
I'm proud to part of such a respected organization that has done so much to help boxers over these many years. We are closing in on having helped 2000 boxers since the rescue's inception in 2008. It is a wonderful feeling to be a part of something that significant!
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
When I met Dianne she had two boxers, Kayla and Pixie. When I went to her house for band rehearsal I always got such a loving and warm reception from the pups and I fell in love with them immediately. Kayla would always bring me a stuffed toy and Pixie would get so excited to see me she could make you feel like the most loved person in the world! I didn't know that much about boxers at the time. That's when I wanted to learn more and found out Dianne was the actual founder of the rescue, which impressed me so much. She showed me a beautiful video she made of the life of her first boxer, Simba, who was the inspiration for the rescue. I was very moved by it and became and instant fan of boxers and a supporter of the rescue. In the past five years I've been amazed by how well the rescue is run by a large team of awesome and caring people. The commitment and abilities of our volunteers really makes me so proud to be a part of it. I love visiting the ABR website to see what's new and to read about the wonderful boxers they are caring for.What do you do when you are not volunteering with ABR?
In 2016 my husband was transferred to Florida and I had to reluctantly leave Atlanta. Thankfully I was able to continue my commitment to the rescue. I have a job here as a part time bookkeeper for a church and I have my own music business, Dona A Music. I do solo vocal shows, run karaoke shows or DJ parties and I still perform with various bands. Thanks to Dianne, who, among her many talents is also an exceptional webmaster, I have a beautiful website!Do you have pets?
My last pet, a cat named Saja, passed away in 2009. When we lost her our hearts were broken. My husband and I made the decision not to have any more pets. The rescue helps me still feel a connection to animals and I think if we ever decided to bring another pet in to our home, I would definitely advocate for a boxer!
Dee Gore
For our August volunteer spotlight, meet Dee Gore. Dee has been volunteering with ABR for the past two years.
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
I met Dianne and Angel years ago when they first started the rescue and we all had Boxers that played at the dog park together. When my boxer Adrian passed away in August 2019, I knew that it was time to do my part and help other boxers.
In what area do you primarily volunteer?
I started fostering and had some adorable pups! However, I have a 4 year old reverse brindle male boxer named Apollo, who is very territorial and wasn't too fond of having new dogs in his space and around "his" children. My skin children are 2 boys, one is 12 and the other is 6 and they love their boxer brother and sister very much!
What do you like most about volunteering?
I love the community that has been formed. So many wonderful, caring people that are always willing to help out each other and do what it takes to save these dogs.
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
One of the most amazing things that I love about the rescue is that first and foremost, they do what is right for the dog. Through our vetting process, the amazing veterinarians that we use and our fosters, everyone is top notch. The dogs that come through the rescue are treated with more love and care than anyone could even imagine!
What do you do when you are not volunteering with ABR?
As I mentioned, I have 2 boys that keep me very busy with football practice, swimming at the pool and general craziness. I love spending time with my friends and travelling (pre-Covid, of course). I am originally from Boston and love heading back up North to visit during the non-snowy months.
Do you have pets?
I have a 4 year old reverse, sealed brindle boxer that I rescued when he was 4 months old. His name is Apollo, but he's affectionately called "Pup". My boys also have a 1 year old brindle, Maggie that lives with their Dad. She loves to run and play with Apollo and she is the only dog that he will tolerate. True Boxer Love!
Abby Martin
For our June volunteer spotlight, meet Abby Martin. Abby has been volunteering with ABR since December 2017, and has fostered quite a few boxers in that time as you can see! Most recently, you may recognize Abby from our Facebook Boxer Live events!
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
We have always had boxers. We were in Atlanta for several years when our boxer passed. I told my husband we would wait to get another dog for a bit because our last two lived to 12 years old and 15 years old and then we saw a post about fostering a dog and couldn't resist.
Where and how do you primarily volunteer (foster, transport, etc)?
I have played a few roles, mostly fostering. In 2020, I joined the fundraising committee.
What do you like most about volunteering?
My favorite part is seeing the dog decompress, 3-days, 3-weeks, 3-months and how you can just tell on their face when they realize they are safe and loved.
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
It is a great group of individuals that gives so much of their time to help save boxers. I have meet life long friends!
What do you do when you are not volunteering with Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
We love to go to the lake and relax or spend time with friends grilling out.
Do you have pets? If so, could you tell us about them?
After 4 years of not having our own dog, we decided to adopt with Atlanta Boxer Rescue. We are excited that Izzy (Meredith) is going to be joining our family soon!
Claudia Janka
For our May volunteer spotlight, meet Claudia Janka. Claudia (CJ) has been volunteering with ABR since its inception in 2008!
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
I had recently moved to GA in 2006 and in 2007 acquired a Boxer puppy after my relationship ended. In 2008 I found the Atlanta Boxer Meetup Group online and went to my first Boxer meetup and met Dianne DaLee. She told me about the rescue. (I think she was shopping for victims, I mean volunteers.)
In what area do you primarily volunteer?
I was a jack of all trades with the rescue. I fostered, was a board member, did transports, home visits, volunteered at events, dog evaluations, volunteer coordinator and currently I am the adoption application coordinator.
What do you like most about volunteering?
Something was missing from my life and volunteering for Atlanta Boxer Rescue was the missing piece of the puzzle in my life. It's the most rewarding work I have ever done without pay.
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
We are all volunteers that are very passionate about the Boxer breed. People do not realize all the working parts it takes to operate a rescue. It's can hard but rewarding. Many of us work full time jobs and volunteer in our free time.
What do you do when you are not volunteering with ABR?
Muay Thai/kick boxing, riding my motorcycle and spending time with my fur babies.
Do you have pets?
Yes. I have 3 dogs. Two Boxers and one Boxer/Bulldog mix. All three are named after Cleveland Browns players; Kosar, Pruitt and Dixon. Pruitt and Dixon are ABR alums. Kosar and Pruitt are my crazy boys and Dixon is my couch potato.
David Estapa
For our April volunteer spotlight, meet David Estapa. David has been volunteering with ABR for the past 10 years!
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
The love of the breed. I have had boxers since I was 8 years old. IMHO it is the best breed of dog out there. Funny, stubborn, smart, loyal & protective. I can't tell you how many killer mail carriers my dogs have protected me from.
In what area do you primarily volunteer?
Evaluate shelter dogs & owner surrenders (I cover a lot of the rural shelters in north Georgia), pull & transport, home visits & foster home visits, occasional temporary foster (not good at it -failed twice-Temp fostered Jack & Sally-had them a couple of hours and lost them (FAIL). Fortunately with the aid of about a dozen ABR volunteers we recovered them in the woods behind the house, and temp fostered ABR 1696, Annie for a few days. That was 1 1/2 yeas ago. She is still here!! FAIL)
What do you like most about volunteering?
Interacting with many boxers & ABR volunteers
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
It is a group of dedicated volunteers who care about the breed & the dogs they interact with. All volunteers-no pay-just the love of doing it.
What do you do when you are not volunteering with ABR?
Commercial general contract building shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, Senior living facilities, service stations. Also building and flying full size aircraft, working on #4 in the aircraft factory (garage), & photography
Do you have pets?
Yes 3 boxers, shown above:
Hamlet - age 12-sealed
Bailey - age 8 reverse brindle
Annie - ABR 1696 brindle
Hamlet has started slowing down a little but looks like he is 6 years old.
Bailey, I call the "brat." Always demanding playtime & food. But wouldn't change anything. Annie is the sweetest boxer I have ever had. Just wants to be with her humans.
Maggie Trammer
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
My husband came in contact with a family, while he was working, that did not want their boxers anymore and were going to call Animal Control to take them; they were living in terrible conditions in the garage. He called me to see if he could bring them home but we had just found out our boxer had cancer and I wanted to devote whatever time we had left to him. I remembered Atlanta Boxer Rescue from an event we attended a few years back and we reached out to them to help. ABR was able to help the boxers and was able to find another rescue to take the other dog in the home. I was impressed with how quickly they were able to step in and network to ensure all dogs were safe. After the loss of our boxer, I was not ready for another dog but wanted to help and reached out to volunteer. We felt it was a great way to honor the loss of our boxer.
How long have you been a volunteer at Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
I have been actively fostering/volunteering for 7 years.
Where and how do you primarily volunteer (foster, transport, etc)?
I volunteer in all areas but my main areas of focus are Adoptions and Foster Coordinator. I oversee the approved applications and help with matching suitable families/foster dogs. I also help stay on top of incoming foster dogs and support our foster families to ensure everyone has what they need for a successful foster experience. I am also an active foster home and love fostering when I can.
What do you like most about volunteering?
In the beginning, it was all about the warm and fuzzy feeling of helping a dog in need and seeing the excitement of families who had been waiting to adopt a boxer. But after being heavily involved in the rescue and seeing the good, bad and ugly, you see the need for rescues and helping these dogs who have been abandoned, abused and medically neglected due to no fault of their own. What I like most, now, is being able to advocate on their behalf and knowing that we are making a small difference in the lives of these boxers and helping to educate the public on the importance of spay/neutering, the veterinary care and health of your boxer along with proper training and treatment of your new family member. The hope is by educating, this will help reduce the number of dogs in shelters needing our help and families understand the long term commitment and responsibility when adding a new family member to their home so they never have to worry about winding up in a shelter or needing our help again.
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
What I'd like people to know about ABR is the amount of work/time/passion that goes into this organization. This is strictly ALL volunteer based. Many volunteers have full time jobs, caregivers to parents, children, spouses, pets, health concerns and many other responsibilities. Many of us go sleepless nights with a new foster dog that is afraid or has never been in a home or crated, trips to the ER vet due to a medical concern. The dinner and family time interruptions when there is an urgent need and how everyone springs into action and rearranges their schedules without hesitation. Rescue is 24/7 that also includes lots of paperwork, phone calls, emails, vetting decisions, etc and we have many volunteers that give so much of their free time, and more, to help a boxer in need. It can be exhausting but we get up and do it all over again never expecting and wanting anything in return, except for that dog to have a loving home. I'd like people to also know that fostering is not hard. If you have extra space, a compassionate heart and open mind, we provide the rest to help with your foster experience. Many ask "don't you get attached" and yes, you do, but you also feel great knowing they are going to a loving home and you helped give that boxer a 2nd chance at a wonderful life and there is always another one waiting at the shelter hoping to find the same….if we don't help them, then who?
What do you do when you are not volunteering with Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
A LOT of my time goes into the rescue, but when I can, I enjoy working out, spending time with my family and just having quiet time to myself. I also love watching Hallmark movies, especially Christmas ones!
Do you have pets? If so, could you tell us about them?
Yes, I currently have 2 ABR foster fails and 1 "well d*@m" baby. Bosco was my first foster with ABR. I said he was my "initiation" into the rescue because he was awful (behaviorally and medically)! Seriously, close to 100 dogs I have helped and he is still the hardest foster dog I have ever dealt with. I had no idea what I was getting into and he made sure I knew it! But after 6 months with us, a failed adoption and no suitable home in sight for him, we made him ours. Jordy is my sweet girl, loves all people and wants you to know how she feels about you, she can be a little aggressive with her affection. When she came to our home, she needed a lot of work on house manners, lacked confidence and was a little scaredy cat (although she initially acted like a mean girl). She stayed with us for a few months due to her medical needs. I instantly fell in love with her, but she was high maintenance! She did great with our daughter and started to engage with all the other foster pups and showed more of her sweet personality. We had recently lost our female boxer and decided to make her part of the family. Jordy has been a great ambassador for all the foster dogs that come into our home. Paisley is my "well d*@m" baby! She came right before the pandemic hit. She had demodex mange and it took a little time to get her medically cleared. Once cleared, we were getting into the holidays, then the pandemic hit. Things were unpredictable and after several failed meet and greets I started to notice more of her quirky and unpredictable behavior, she is very needy and has some separation anxiety. She has probably been the most challenging foster to train with basic obedience, she just does her own thing. We call her the spider monkey because she climbs and jumps off everything (and also sounds like one when she's whining if she's separated from you). We say she picked us, because she does not want to be anywhere else but here regardless of what we think. We were not wanting or expecting to have a 3rd dog….well d*@m!
Jill Jinks
For our March volunteer spotlight, meet Jill Jinks who has been volunteering with ABR for around 7 years!
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
I love that the organization is completely volunteer – that all of the efforts (time, talents and funding) go to honoring a wonderful breed of dog.
In what area do you primarily volunteer?
I started as a foster and realized quickly that I would be foster failing on a regular basis. Currently I do temp fostering (when permanent fosters are out of town or when I pull a dog from a shelter that does not yet have a foster lined up). I also do transport (boxer buggy driver), and animal evaluations.
What do you like most about volunteering?
I love the dogs! I love the opportunity to see the animals emerge from their darkness and realize that it is all okay now. When I was fostering, I loved getting to know potential adopters and discussing the fit – what the animal needed and what the potential adopter could commit to.
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
ABR starts and ends with its love for and commitment to the dogs. We don't shy away from the impossible. We work as a community to try and figure out how to provide a safe and loving environment for all of the Boxers we can. If we don't have the funds to do something – we go raise the money. If we don't have a permanent foster, we go recruit one. "No" is just a suggestion to us. "No" inspires us to be and do our best.
What do you do when you are not volunteering with ABR?
I am a sailor and a PhD candidate at the University of Georgia.
Do you have pets?
Yes, I have three ABR alums – Tygger ("Tinker") Belle – the Boxer – Staffie mix that runs the house – and is my foster 'whisperer' – she lets the temp fosters know it is going to be alright. Marley (Peter Pan) – a stunningly beautiful reverse brindle – who will never grow up. He can do butt circles in a closet. He is always ready to play – as long as it is in his yard with his people. He is crazy outside his comfort zone. He works so hard to keep it together – and I am proud of him for always trying to be his best. And then there is her majesty – Shubie – the Royal Mahogony Red English Boxer. She maintains her Queen like presence – except when blueberries are involved – and then she is moving like a bull in a china shop! We also permanently temp Stevie – the blind boxer – he is a character and just bumps his way to whatever he wants….
Thank you Jill! For more information on volunteering, or to learn how you can get involved with ABR, click here!
Vicki Lee
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
My love for boxers had me following ABR on Facebook for a few years, so when I lost one of my boxer babies in September 2017, it just felt right for my next one to be a rescue. I soon began fostering and quickly found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable.
Where and how do you primarily volunteer (foster, transport, etc)?
I primarily volunteer with fostering and I am the new foster mentor for first time fosters. I also process all the foster applications and support various coordinators in the rescue with their roles.
What do you like most about volunteering?
I love the transformation that takes place once these dogs are in a foster home and begin to feel safe and loved. As fosters, we get attached and love them like our own, so we strive to find them the perfect forever home where we know they will be loved and properly cared for the rest of their lives.
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
ABR steps up to take in any boxers in need - young, seniors, many with serious health issues, those that are broken or have been abused, some with behavioral issues. ABR spares no expense when it comes to getting these pups the medical care needed, which is why donations are always so appreciated.
What do you do when you are not volunteering with Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
Outside of volunteering with the rescue, I enjoy spending time with my pups, family and friends. My favorite kind of night is spent snuggling up on the couch with my pups watching movies.
Do you have pets? If so could you tell us about them?
I have three amazing boxers, Kobie (6 yrs) my sweet, ball obsessed, window licking goof ball; Lacey (4 yrs) my scaredy cat. She doesn't like anything out of place and will not go out the door if she sees a box/package has been delivered that she will have to pass; and Gidget (7 yrs) is my little angel on earth. The doctors referred to her as the little miracle dog after she survived an extensive obstruction surgery to remove rope and debris embedded in her intestines. All three are ABR alums, each with their own unique personalities and cute quirks that fit right into my heart and home.
MaryBeth Weintraub
Meet MaryBeth Weintraub, a volunteer with ABR for over 6 years!
Why did you choose Atlanta Boxer Rescue to volunteer?
Well for one I love the breed but after meeting another ABR volunteer in a vet's office and hearing about the rescue I decided to jump on board. I just knew by volunteering and helping to make a difference in a dos life was going to enhance my life in so many ways.
In what area do you primarily volunteer?
I volunteer in many different areas for ABR - fostering, home visits, pulling from the shelter and I enjoy every one of them. But right now I am most focused on transports and fundraising.
What do you like most about volunteering?
There is so much to love about volunteering, I love knowing that I had a small part in helping a pup get their second chance and finding the perfect loving home to live in. It just warms my heart knowing that they will always be loved and taken care of.
What would you like people to know about Atlanta Boxer Rescue?
There are so many amazing things that ABR does that I would love for people to know. First of all we are an all volunteer-based rescue that relies solely on donations. We take in dogs that are in much need of medical attention as well as some that have been owner surrendered due to an unfortunate situation with their previous family. Once the pup is vetted and medically cleared to be released we try to pair them up with the perfect fit for their temperament and needs to ensure an easy transition and a happy loving life for them.
What do you do when you are not volunteering with ABR?
When I'm not volunteering for the rescue I'm either taking care of my three boxers, working with my husband in his furniture business or working at Bagelicious where I've been for 30 years.
Do you have pets?
I have three boxers Hudson who is very loving, timid & a little skittish, he's nine. Reagan who is six and an ABR alumni, she's a delicate little girl who is super sweet and so affectionate. And then there's Elvis who's six and also an ABR alumni who is hilarious, full of energy and thinks every toy in the house is his.