Volunteer recognised for 24 years of caring for dogs at Battersea Old Windsor

A long-serving Old Windsor volunteer is being celebrated for more than 24 years of caring for thousands of dogs. 

Ann Palmer joined Battersea Old Windsor in February 2000 to spend more time with dogs and support animals who needed it most.

Since then, she has become the Berkshire branch’s longest-serving volunteer, giving thousands of hours of volunteering.

“After my late mum’s Yorkshire Terrier sadly passed away, I really missed being around dogs and wanted to try something new,” Ann said. 

“Even 24 years later, volunteering at Battersea is still the highlight of my week.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for the older dogs who need a bit of extra support and since starting my role, I have rehomed 12 dogs who have lived out their golden years with me. Battersea is such a special place and I always look forward to my next volunteering day.”

As a dog socialiser, Ann helps animals prepare for their new homes by taking them on regular walks, playing games in their kennels, and providing plenty of love and fuss.

She also cares for dogs in her home through Battersea’s Fostering programme.

Ann has befriended dogs of all shapes and sizes on her visits to Battersea but was always drawn to the quirkier residents in the charity’s care.

One of her favourite memories at Battersea was meeting an elderly Yorkshire Terrier called Phyllis with no teeth, who despite her small stature, had a bold personality.

Ann decided to give her a permanent home and they spent three years together, with Phyllis living to 11 years old. 

Ann is now being celebrated this Volunteers’ Week (June 3 – 9) for continuing to bring companionship to staff and animals at the centre, almost a quarter of a century on.

Poppy Duckett, Volunteer Services Manager at Battersea, said: “Ann has made a real difference to the lives of so many animals during her time volunteering for us, from helping nervous dogs come out of their shells to giving them a friendly face to spend time with each day.

"From day one she got stuck in with life at Battersea, not only with her day-to-day duties but she’s always keen to get involved with everything, giving our grounds a spruce up and attending our events with her Battersea dogs.

“We are so grateful for our dedicated volunteers like Ann who tirelessly support the animals in our care and nothing is ever too much trouble. Ann is an absolute pillar of our volunteering team at Battersea, and we are so lucky to have had her support for more than 24 years. Here’s to many more!”

Battersea needs volunteers and foster carers like Ann across its three centres. For more information, visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/