Volunteers celebrate 3,500 hours of devotion at dogs trust west calder’s base

ISABEL TAGGART AND KAY WALLACE ARE URGING OTHERS THIS VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK TO CONSIDER JOINING THE DOGS TRUST WEST CALDER TEAM. ROSS THOMSON 13:48, 02 Jun 2025 Two dog-loving volunteers who have

racked up a total of nearly two decades of dedicated devotion to Dogs Trust West Calder’s handsome hounds are encouraging others to come and join the volunteer team. Having spent over 3,500

hours volunteering, Isabel Taggart and Kay Wallace are urging others this Volunteers’ Week to consider joining the Dogs Trust West Calder team. Isabel Taggart from Livingston has been a

firm fixture at the rehoming centre since 2011, when she first joined the volunteer team as a dog walker. Isobel has always liked dogs, but as she worked full-time, she didn’t have a dog of

her own, so volunteering allowed her to help dogs in need. READ MORE: West Lothian community centre management plans 'mired in confusion' When Isabel retired in 2017, everything

changed as she adopted her first dog from Dogs Trust and continued to volunteer cleaning kennels. Isabel is so committed to the charity that both dogs she has rehomed from Dogs Trust, Jovi

and Suzi, had experienced very unsettled starts in life and were proving difficult to rehome until Isabel came to the rescue. Article continues below Isabel said: “You can’t take all the

dogs home, but by volunteering, you are making their lives better. By cleaning the kennels, the staff can spend more time with the dogs, which makes me happy. “As I am now retired, I feel

it’s nice to still be making a contribution. I enjoy coming in in the morning and seeing the dogs’ faces. “The longer-term dogs get to know us and respond in a positive way. I feel a real

sense of achievement volunteering with Dogs Trust.” READ MORE: Award for popular postmaster who's been serving community in Livingston for 30 years Kay Wallace, also from Livingston,

began volunteering for Dogs Trust in 2021 after losing her beloved dog Pepsi the year before. Despite working full-time as a Treatment Room Nurse, Kay volunteers on Saturday and Sunday at

the rehoming centre. Kay said: “When I lost my Labrador Pepsi, I decided not to get another dog as it’s too heartbreaking when they die, so instead I’ve been volunteering ever since. “My

role involves cleaning the kennels and ensuring the dogs have a comfy, clean bed, which I love doing as no dog should have a scruffy bed. “Volunteering gives me so much joy. As much as I

enjoy my job as a nurse, coming to the centre on the weekend are the best two days of the week. “Spending time with the beautiful dogs is wonderful, especially saying good morning to them

and seeing their reaction when they get to know you. “I feel very much like I am part of the team at West Calder, where everyone is so hard-working and friendly. I recommend volunteering to

anyone with the time and love of dogs.” Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking volunteers for different roles at the centre including Canine Assistants who spend time helping clean the

kennels and being with the dogs; administrators who carry out tasks such as answering the phones, filing and carrying out internet research and meet and greet volunteers who are often the

first point of contact for visitors, ensuring people receive a warm welcome, and have an enjoyable visit. Although more than 60 people currently give their time to help at the centre,

volunteer co-ordinator Garry Lee, says they would love more to join. Garry said: “Our volunteers are amazing and go above and beyond for our dogs here at West Calder rehoming centre. They

devote so much of their free time to us and are always willing to help whenever possible. “Without them, giving the dogs everything they need would be much more difficult. “Isabel has been a

core member of our volunteer team for many years. When she retired, she moved closer to the centre and was then able to volunteer more often. READ MORE: Over 12,000 children supported

through Scottish Child Payment by families in West Lothian “She also helps other volunteers by giving them lifts to and from the centre. Kay is also a valued part of the team. “She works

extremely hard Monday to Friday as a nurse and yet spends her weekend mornings with us, looking after our dogs. We really appreciate their hard work and dedication. “Every volunteer makes a

huge difference to what we can achieve at the centre, and we welcome more local dog lovers to come and join us.” Volunteers must be aged 18 and over, and all are welcome. It’s a fantastic

way to develop new skills, gain further experience and meet new friends. Article continues below To find out more, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/roles or contact

Garry Lee, volunteer co-ordinator at [email protected] DON'T MISS THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WEST LOTHIAN COURIER. SIGN UP TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER HERE.