You’ve heard the expression, “The couple which plays together stays together.” This week’s pair, Dawn and Gary Croxall, play together and volunteer together too. Their organization of choice is Alaqua, a local favorite. Residents of The Fairways and animal lovers too, they decided to kill two birds with one stone. 

Since they moved here a year ago from Northern California, Dawn and Gary saw the opportunity to help animals and meet people at the same time. While they enjoy an occasional visit with the animal residents “on campus,” they spend their volunteer hours working various events to support the no-kill shelter, on an as- needed basis. 

Dawn and Gary told me that before they could work any events, they went through an orientation which taught them about the organization. Properly informed, their first job was to wrangle 10 puppies, all from the same litter, at a Puppy Yoga event, held at the Hotel Effie. Gary and Dawn chuckled as they admitted a bit of skepticism about how it would work, but were delighted to see that both puppies and yoga participants had fun. Maybe the puppies had the most fun, since all ten were adopted as a result of the exposure there. 

Another activity the Croxalls have enjoyed was working the 30A Music Festival, the major fundraising event. When asked for details, Dawn laughingly said, “We show up and follow instructions,” whether they’re selling souvenirs, handling admissions or whatever needs doing.

So what do they like about their Alaqua involvement? Gary mentioned that besides meeting pets and people, they were impressed with the well-run nature of the organization, and the friendliness and competence of the people they’ve met there. Both agreed that they would recommend volunteering for Alaqua, since there are many possible jobs, both onsite and offsite, like theirs. 

If you, or someone you know would like to volunteer at or for Alaqua, go to the Alaqua website: www.alaqua.org and fill out the volunteer form online.