Alison Brodie has been volunteering at the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aberdeenshire for over two decades.
A long-standing Scottish SPCA volunteer has been presented with her 25-year service award for her ongoing commitment to animal welfare. Alison Brodie has been volunteering at the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aberdeenshire for over two decades.
From taking some of the smaller dogs out for a stroll, to washing dog bowls and windowsills at the centre, Alison is not afraid to muck in and help. She has not been able to visit the centre since last October due to ill health – but she is hoping to get back to her weekly Tuesday shift and routine in May.
Life goes quickly when you’re enjoying yourself
Alison explained: “I got a bit of a shock to hear it’s been 25 years – I knew it had been 20 but where the next five disappeared to I don’t know!
“Life goes very quickly when you’re enjoying yourself. I’ve always been involved with the kennels as when I applied to volunteer at first, that’s what I wanted to do. We’ve always had dogs and I’m really a massive dog lover. I like all animals but that is always what I did and that’s always what I’ve stuck to.
“I used to walk maybe six or seven dogs in a morning and now I only maybe walk about three – but I don’t walk big dogs now. I’m happier walking small dogs.
“I wash all of the bowls, I do the laundry – and I even clean all of the windowsills! I’m just very happy when I’m there – I love it.”
Still loves every moment
Alison was looking for something to fill her time so went into the centre to enquire about a volunteering role – 25 years later and she still loves every moment of the job.
“To begin with, sometimes I found it hard,” Alison continued.
“I sometimes used to come home upset and I always went back. One day, one of the staff members said to me ‘you shouldn’t get upset Alison because we’re getting them ready for their happy home’ and I’ve always thought about that ever since.
“I’ve never felt it was a commitment to volunteer at the centre – I always come away with a warm feeling in myself.
I try to make them feel happy and loved
“I love taking the dogs out. I speak to them all the time because most of them have come from pretty bad backgrounds – I try and make them feel happy and loved and that’s how I feel when I’m at the Scottish SPCA.
“The staff are so appreciative of a volunteer – and I love getting to know them all as well.”
Sarah Berwick, Volunteer Coordinator and Animal Care Assistant at the Aberdeen centre, added: “Alison is so hardworking and a brilliant help around the centre.
“She’s also a shoulder to cry on for the staff when we’ve had a hard day.”
Interested in volunteering?
Inspired by Alison’s story and interested in volunteering? Visit the our Volunteering webpage.
