A round of 'appaws' for our wonderful volunteers
Our volunteers' week celebrates Julie Kydd, a wonderful volunteer who helps support homeless hounds at our Shrewsbury centre every week.
We celebrate Volunteers' Week (1st – 7th June) by giving recognition to a retiree who turned a fresh chapter into a full-time volunteering passion.
When Julie Kydd took early retirement in February 2025, she knew she wasn't ready to slow down. She wanted to do something worthwhile and make a difference. It didn't take long to find her answer. A Shrewsbury local and a lifelong dog lover, she turned to Dogs Trust Shrewsbury and hasn't looked back since.
Now a familiar and much-loved face at the Shrewsbury rehoming centre, Julie wears many hats and takes on whatever is needed. From kennel care and dog walking to admin, adoption application calls and Meet and Greet duties in reception — she shows up, rolls up her sleeves, and gives it everything. But it's the time spent with the dogs themselves that she treasures most.
I spend time with them on an individual basis with walks, games, cuddles and belly rubs. I love being a part of a team where we all work towards the same goal to make every dog's stay as positive as possible.
Julie, Volunteer
Julie Kydd continues: "Some of the dogs that arrive at the centre come carrying fear, anxiety or nervousness from their past. Watching the centre team and fellow volunteers gently work with those dogs, helping them settle, build confidence and learn to trust again is so rewarding and special.’’
Our charity relies on the dedication of more than 3,600 volunteers across the country, together caring for over 11,000 dogs every year.
This Volunteers' Week, our team at Shrewsbury want to say a heartfelt thank you to every one of them, and especially to the Julie who walked through their doors at the start of her retirement and never stopped giving.
We're so lucky to have Julie with us at Shrewsbury. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her way with the dogs is instinctive, and she never shies away from a task.
Helen Downing, Shrewsbury Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer for us
Helen Downing, continues: "Julie is always the first to step in whenever she knows a team is short-staffed. She happily changes her plans and jumps from role to role wherever she is needed most. If you want to join our fabulous volunteer team to develop new skills, gain experience, meet new friends and most importantly, help make a real difference for our dogs, then please get in touch.”
To find out more about volunteering check out our roles and current vacancies.
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