Just heard that Robin and Jeanne found a missing sanctuary dog (Abbey from the Garden) after searching for her for 3 days straight. Several caregivers told me that Jeanne and Robin hiked for several hours in the canyons, with temperatures over 100 degrees. I know that Jeanne and Robin used to volunteer a lot at the Garden, and that is how they knew Abbey. (Read about shy Abbey on the Garden site!) You guys are awesome! Thank you for finding Abbey!!

That Extra Mile

True writers are expected to grab a reader’s eye with some witty opening line. It’s the hook. I have none. If you choose to read my praise for these two phenomenal volunteers you will choose to smile a bit more today. If you choose not to read on, your loss will be unknown to you. I have no witty opening line. My goal is only to tell you of a few good deeds.

Jeanne M. and Robin S. have been volunteers at Best Friends Dogtown for over half a decade. It is their labor of love. Although I doubt they see it as a contribution to society, so much as a gift gained in the privilege of working with these exceptional animals. This in itself is the first of their good deeds.

Going above and beyond is the second. You see Jeanne and Robin (J&R) volunteer with the Lodge Dogs. One might say the Lodge Dogs are known for being slightly more ‘cantankerous’ than dogs in other areas of Best Friends. As a handler, I naturally feel this hodgepodge group of misfits can do no wrong, but only a few volunteers invest the time and patience needed to work long term with this motley crew. The J&R connection are here three to four days per week.

Nonetheless, we do have a small, but very loyal group of regular volunteers at The Lodges. So, what deed is it that deems this couple so worthy of additional public praise? After all, Jeanne is one of our more ‘cantankerous’ volunteers at Best Friends (and I wouldn’t trade her for a dozen helpers that stood mute). It all started last Thursday.

Abbey, a rather shy dog, was on an outing in Kanab when she was startled and ran away from the group who had signed her out. Abby immediately vanished. Just as the call came over our radios, J&R were arriving. Back into town they raced. Not only do they know Abbey, they’re among just a few people she will come to when scared. The search began.

For four hours that morning they searched for the frightened dog. Then, four more in the evening. On Friday the process repeated itself. Despite the sweltering heat the determined team would not give up. Finally, late Saturday morning Robin spotted Abbey far up a canyon. With time and patience he coaxed her close enough to leash, but the ordeal was not over. It took nearly four more hours before they were back out of the canyon. Despite having run out of water, Robin had refused to leave the frightened dog behind.

This experience was told to me in person by J&R early Sunday morning. For on the seventh day some Gods may have rested, but this unstoppable couple had Lodge Dogs to walk. They were right on time. If only I could think of a ‘hook’ as fast as Robin recovers from heat stroke. While I wrestle with this shortcoming, please consider expressing your thanks for a few good deeds.

Jean and Robin: There are no words to adequately express my thanks and gratitude to both of you for never giving up your search for Abbey. I admire both of you very much - not just for finding Abbey, but for all the time and energy you give the dogs at the Sanctuary, the support you provide to the caretakers, the unbiased love and affection I have personally witnessed you bestow on the doggies, your dedication and desire to make a difference in the doggies' lives, and the time you spend with them. Thank you again. Even though she can't say the words, Abbey says thank you - she was very afraid, and so happy when she saw Robin. I know that. And you both know that. You two are a shining example of all that's good in the world of animals. Thank you. I'm sure I'll see you when I'm there in September. Cathy - Wyoming

What, no witty opening line? What were you thinking? That in itself got my attention. But didn't miss it for long after reading about J & R. What a great story. The dogs of the Lodges truly have two heros among them. Abbey is so lucky to have had her two biggest fans close by and coming to her rescue. Glad all three of you made it back safe and sound.

What a lucky girl Abbey is to have amazing people like Jeanne and Robin on her side. It breaks my heart to think of how scared she must have been during the time she was lost.
Thanks so much for going the extra mile to make sure Abbey got back home safe and sound.

I took one of the lodge dogs (BeBop) for a walk on the trail where I think they found Abbey and we saw a large "note" etched in the dirt that said "Jeanne this way". The note put a huge smile on my face because I thought of the joy and relief Robin and Jeanne must have felt when they finally found Abbey.

Sixteenpaws - what an adorable end to the Abbey saga. Thank you! Between your XL Squeeky ball donation to the lodge dogs and the way you handled Annie's little trick last week, you're up in the hero catagory yourself. We just get the BEST volunteers!

I have loved Jeanne & Robin from the moment I first met them, and never see them without a huge smile coming to my face, and a big desire for hugs all round.

In regards for what they did for Abbey - there are no thank yous adequate.

Today I asked if any of The Lodges Volunteers was interested in walking two puppies(older puppies that need more exercise) and Jeanne was the first one to offer.
Jeanne and Robin always have time for one more.....

I love Jeanne and Robin - there are no human beings who are any kinder, any more caring, nor any more willing to "step up to the plate" than Jeanne and Robin. Thank you so much for always being there for the doggies when the rest of us can't because we can only come once a year.