Your volunteer
Name: Carmen Cole. Role: Branch rehoming co-ordinator (volunteer). How did you enter this role?: I started off volunteer dog walking for a local sanctuary and met a committee member of the branch. Through her I joined the committee as a trustee and was trained up to take over the role. What are you responsible for?: Co-ordinating animals (dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, all manner of small animals) coming into the branch – be it to private boarding facilities or foster homes, for their veterinary care and assessments, vetting prospective adopters and rehoming them. I work closely with Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where the majority of the animals go before they come into branch care regionally for rehoming. Also the inspectors, vets and pet owners. I am also involved with lost and found enquiries and liaising with owners needing to rehome their pets, also recruiting fosterers and dog walkers. What do you most enjoy about this role?: The majority of animals that come into our care have been neglected, abused, abandoned or are simply unwanted, so to see them find such good loving homes really puts a smile on my face, lifts the spirit and quite frankly makes all the heartache and distress worthwhile! What have been your highlights so far while doing this?: Knowing that I, along with the rest of the branch volunteers who all have their own roles to make it happen, have helped so many animals over the years. I’m proud that we have achieved so many happy endings for our furry friends and continue to do so. I’m proud and grateful to all those who work tirelessly for no financial reward outside of their normal jobs and day-to-day lives to help improve the lives of animals. What is your favourite place in Macclesfield?: Teggs Nose Country Park for the incredible views. Ideally how would you spend every day?: If I had the means and finance to do so it would be owning my own animal sanctuary. If money were no object what would you do?: Set up an animal sanctuary and board animals for the RSPCA. What one piece of advice would you give?: Do what you can in life to help others and all species on this Earth, respect and nurture all life and make peace, because there is so many depraved and barbaric things going on we must do our bit to help. What was your first job?: As a child working part-time in a bakery, as an adult, accountancy. What is on your MP3 player?: Rock and heavy metal, I’m a rock chick at heart! What is your favourite TV show?: Any detective drama going. What are you reading at the moment?: I normally read detective/murder novels but I’ve borrowed a book called A Street Cat Named Bob - a very lovely read. Who is your biggest inspiration?: It has to be my mum, the terrible experiences and hardships she has endured to come out of it a strong woman is amazing. Who would you like to invite to dinner?: Anyone who likes a good drink!